Geometry is the study of figures in a space of a given number of dimensions and of a given type. The most common types of geometry are plane geometry (dealing with objects like the point, line, circle, triangle, and polygon). This type of geometry is seen within early childhood settings to engage the children in the beginning concepts of shapes and the aspects that assist in understanding these (Clements & Sarama, 2000). 2D and 3D shapes can be investigated. However, 2D shapes is recommended for early childhood students and even those within upper primary, as it is difficult for students to identify the number of dimensions in 3D shapes. Examples of 2D shapes are represented below, while a Mira and an example of rotational symmetry is shown to demonstrate how these shapes can be translated. In addition to classroom shapes, it is important to investigate shapes within the environment, as there are various shapes that can be explored. Questions can be asked based on these shapes to encourage the students to think about space, position and distance (Hannibal, 1999). For example, students need to understand that shapes can be seen differently according to their dimension and the view point. If a shape is represented from a distance it will appear to look different closer, this also applies to position.
Resource suggestion:
2D shapes guessing game
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| Triangle pattern |
How many times can I rotate the pentagon?
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| Pentagon |
Can you see the symmetry?
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| Mira & Pentagon |
Activity:
Students go on a class excursion and explore 2d shapes. They need to identify 3 2D shapes each and represent these how they like. They can use clay, drawings, materials such as, straws, string etc. Once the students have presented their shapes they are to describe them. This encourages the students to use the correct terminology and develops their understanding of dimensions, position and space.
