Our Next Mathematics Investigation

This week we will begin our study of SHAPES AND THEIR PROPERTIES.  Both groups/grades will be working on the BIG IDEAS:

• Some attributes of shapes are quantitative (the fact that a triangle has three vertices is quantitative), others are qualitative (the fact that a circle is round is qualitative);
• Many of the properties and attributes that apply to 2-dimensional shapes also apply to 3-dimensional shapes;
• Many geometric properties and attributes of shapes are related to measurement (Group 2 will be revisiting AREA when we focus on 2-dimensional shapes)

(from Marian Small's Big Ideas from Dr. Small - Creating a Comfort Zone for Teaching Mathematics Grades Kindergarten to Grade 3, page 63)

This week, we will begin our study by focusing on 3-dimensional geometry.  You can support your child's learning at home by trying these activities with your child:

• Ask your child to describe the shape of an object, for example, whether it is like a sphere, a cylinder, or a rectangular prism.
• Challenge your child to check several shapes to see which ones will roll, slide, or stack.
• Ask your child to explain how two shapes are similar and different (encourage the use of "math words")
• Challenge your child to sort shapes into group, then to try sorting them a different way.
• Describe the shape of an object and ask your child to guess the object; then switch roles.
• Have a 'shape hunt' at home - find examples of cubes, triangular prisms, pyramids, etc.
• Use playdough to model various 3-dimensional shapes. Count the number of faces, edges, and vertices on each shape.
• Invite your child to help you put away the groceries.  Talk about why you place particular packages and supplies together.

Ideas from Math Makes Sense Grade 2 (Pearson Education Canada) and Mathematics 1(Nelson)