Giving children chance to 'play around' with two-dimensional shapes gives them the freedom to explore spatial properties for themselves, thereby developing their understanding in a meaningful way. These activities offer contexts in which children can engage in this 'play'.
problem
Matching triangles
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Can you sort these triangles into three different families and explain how you did it?
problem
Let's investigate triangles
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Vincent and Tara are making triangles with the class construction set. They have a pile of strips of different lengths. How many different triangles can they make?
problem
Sorting logic blocks
Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
This activity focuses on similarities and differences between shapes.
problem
Transformations on a pegboard
Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
How would you move the bands on the pegboard to alter these shapes?
problem
Stringy quads
Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
This practical problem challenges you to make quadrilaterals with a loop of string. You'll need some friends to help!
problem
Stick images
Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
This task requires learners to explain and help others, asking and answering questions.
list
Geometric thinking - teacher articles
This series of three articles discusses the development of geometric thinking.