Learning shapes not only assists children in identifying and organising visual information, but it also assists them in learning skills in other areas of the curriculum, such as reading activities, mathematics, and science. Recognising the shape of numbers and letters, for instance, is an essential first step in understanding them. Shape recognition also aids children’s interpretation of other signs and symbols.
Creating a shape hunt game is a fun approach to help your child understand shapes. Make a shape out of cardboard and have fun looking for objects that fit the shape in your house or neighbourhood. Alternatively, collect a variety of items and assist your child in sorting them into piles according to the object’s shape. Figures can be seen everywhere, from octagon stop signs to triangular roofs.
Geometry is divided into two parts – one is analysing the shape of things. Triangles, for example, should have three straight sides and three angles; however, the angles can be small or large, and the triangles can be short or tall, red or blue, or tilted in any way. The second aspect is to consider space. We discover how objects in space relate to each other and around us. For example, the basketball is in front of the sofa. Although children see shape and space precisely in their everyday environments, preschool children aged three to five must learn to think about these concepts.
Why is it so Important to Understand Shapes?
Children learn a variety of skills that may be applied outside of mathematics by studying shapes, which is why we want our kids to be able to do so. A kid who is acquainted with shapes and has mastered the other components of geometry can do the following:
- Assemble – For example, large flat blocks make a much better foundation than tall narrow blocks.
- Compare and contrast – For instance, the octagon resembles a circle.
- Define spatial correlations – Example: The block is below the box.
- Integrate – Example: Two squares can be combined to form a rectangle.
- Disintegrate – Example: This pentagon can be divided into triangles.
It is not to argue that alternative approaches cannot be used to build these talents. Rather, learning about two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes and the fundamentals of geometry, such as lines, angles, transversal, points, etc., will aid in developing these abilities in primary school.
Helpful Suggestions for Improving Kids’ Shape Skills and Knowledge
Try any of these pointers, which help children to learn shapes.
- Whenever feasible, provide excellent and real-life experiences.
- Identify shapes by looking at a variety of examples.
- In all aspects of learning, use mathematical terminology (For example, the top of a capital A forms a triangle).
- Compare and contrast real-life shapes (Instruct kids to look for rectangles in their learning environment, such as doors, books, windows, computer screens, phones, etc.).
- Allow for plenty of practice.
- Instead of pencils and paper, provide authentic materials for problem-solving.
- Allow time for youngsters to compare and contrast their work with that of others.
- If their response is incorrect, encourage kids to talk about arithmetic and explain their reasoning.