Primary Geometry

Pitra, Barbara                Marconi Community Academy                     
4879 N. Kilpatrick            854-2810
Chicago, Illinois 60630
282-9659  

Objectives:

The children will name, identify and categorize the geometric shapes 
(triangle, square and rectangle) by the number and length of the 
sides.

The students will identify triangles, squares and rectangles in their
environment.

Through observation, comparison and manipulation the children will 
construct pictures, shapes and patterns with the triangle and square.

Using game formats the students will gain practice in recognizing and 
naming geometric shapes.

Apparatus needed:

1. various sized plexiglas triangles, squares and rectangles with 
   magnetic tape applied to the backs of the shapes so they will stick 
   to the blackboard
2. 20 triangles and squares made of plexiglas or paper (2" on a side)
3. a ditto of triangles and squares for each child (2" on a side)
4. glue
5. scissors
6. overhead projector
7. "Color and Shape Bingo" by Trend Co.
8. 1 deck "I have ....who has...." cards

Recommended strategy:

This presentation is appropriate for use with primary children.  Using 
the plexiglas shapes the students will discuss similarities and 
differences as well as various ways in which the objects could be 
categorized.  Elicit from the children that a triangle has 3 sides, a 
square has 4 equal sides and a rectangle has 2 long sides and 2 short 
sides.  On the blackboard make a category heading for each shape and 
have several students go to the board and place the magnetic shapes 
under the correct heading.  Review names and characteristics of each 
shape. 
   Why did you place that object there?
   What are the characteristics of that shape?
   What is your shape called?
Ask the children to name these geometric shapes as they identify them 
in the classroom and their environment.
The children will cut out squares and triangles from ditto sheets in 
several different colors.  All of the new shapes and patterns that 
will be constructed will be shown on the overhead projector.  This 
will help the child who has difficulty seeing patterns or because of 
poor eye-hand coordination.  Shapes must not overlap or cover other 
shapes.  They must line up evenly.  Ask the students to show that:
squares can make bigger squares, squares can make rectangles, 
triangles can make bigger triangles, triangles can make hexagons but 
our triangles cannot make squares or rectangles (we didn't have right 
angles).  Allow the students to experiment with color and shape in 
making new figures, shapes and patterns.  Demonstrate some of the 
creations on the overhead.  After the class has had adequate time to 
experiment, request that they glue their "favorite" on to a piece of 
manila paper.
Play Trend Co.'s "Color and Shape Bingo" or make a bingo game.  The 
"I have ... who has ..." card game is teacher made.  It consists of a 
deck of cards, one for each student.  The cards may be used to drill 
many topics.  For example, the child reads his card, "I have a red 
square, who has a blue rectangle."  The child who has the blue 
rectangle then reads his card, etc.  The last card read is the winner.