Shaping Lives with Geometry

Geometry and the Kinesthetic Learner 
"It is important to note that children's ability to conceptualize shape develops through different stages, and that this development is fostered by each child's experience" (Making Math Meaningful, 395). When teaching students about geometry, there needs to be a physical interaction for students to learn. Students need to physically touch and look at objects to gain a deep understanding of how shapes are formed and notice different aspects of shapes.

Geometrical Terms
Throughout class, we discussed several words and what they mean. Defining these words helped us to identify shapes and classify them. Some of these terms include:
     Similar Shapes - same shapes, but may have a different colour or size
     Congruent Shapes - Shapes are the same and equal
     Symmetry - Two parallel sides are the same, the shape can be folded in half and bot halves mirror                           one another
We also went through the different types of quadrilaterals, some of which include:
     Parallelogram - a quadrilateral with 2 pairs of parallel sides
     Rhombus - A parallelogram with all sides equal in length
     Rectangle - A parallelogram with 4 right angles
     Square - A rectangle with all sides equal in length
   
By allowing the class to collectively define terms and come to an agreement, it allowed us to work together effectively on activities throughout the class. When a common knowledge was shared, we were able to build off of one another's thoughts and complete activities.


The Greedy Triangle
One of the most helpful ways to teach students about shapes is through telling a story. The Greedy Triangle is a story about a triangle who want to gain additional sides to become a different shape. With every additional side, the triangle is able to take on different roles within the shape world. Students are able to see how one side changes a shape and that certain shapes have specific aspects. This book not only goes through various shapes, it also teaches students about individuality as the Triangle goes back to being a triangle because that is what he wants to be.



What did I take away from this week's lesson?
The biggest piece of knowledge that I took away from this week's lesson is the importance of hands on activities and visual representations. Geometry is a very specific topic in math and some students need to see shapes get off the page and take form in their hands. Manipulatives have been a central focus in many of our classes, but I feel that this is a topic in math that absolutely needs them.