Geometry III

by Early Math Counts

In addition to thinking about spatial reasoning, we also want children to learn basic spatial terms.  This is also true of mathematical terms in general, but the use of spatial terms throughout the day can help reinforce concepts of spatial reasoning without expressly doing so.

Throughout the day you probably do this without even thinking about it.  You say things like, “Put you coat inside your cubbie.” (Inside is a spatial reasoning term.) Or you might say, “The tissues are on top of the shelf.” (On top of is another spatial reasoning term.)  The reason that this is important is that we don’t want to say general things like “The tissues are there,” as the general nature of the statement doesn’t expressly support the learning of the these important terms.

I like playing “Hotter, Colder” with children.  You know the game.  It is when you have a child or children try to find something hidden in the room either in plain site or hidden away and you give them clues by saying, “Hotter” when they get closer and “Colder” when they get further away. Instead of using the words hotter and colder, you could use closer and farther, or nearer and farther.  This is will be one more way to incorporate spatial terms into your everyday activities.

5 Replies to “Geometry III”

  1. I think that the idea in the second paragraph is very important. As a teacher one should always find a way to incorporate lessons in every day actions, help the children learn without them noticing, such as the example stated above. Thank you for pointing it out.

  2. It is interesting to notice how frequently we use spatial terms in our everyday language. It makes me wonder if we are more aware of its importance, will we make a more focused effort to use them more?

  3. I do agree with the idea of integrating spatial concepts in directions during the day at school and at home. Spatial awareness starts so early and can encourage children to be independent and successful in following directions and so much more. Thank you for your blog.

  4. I also agree that incorporating spatial concepts into daily activities is a great way to make these concepts meaningful to our young learners. I started to use do this as I would walk my students to the school library or music room or around the playground. Thank you.

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