Children can often name geometric shapes but struggle with the geometric properties of those shapes (Kloosterman et al. 2004). Properties include sides, vertices (corners), symmetry, angles etc.
A sequential learning progression through properties of shape in the early primary years is essential to facilitate further geometric and other mathematical development in later schooling.
The learning progression can be broken up into four phases: Emerging, Developing, Broadening and Extending. As children progress through these phases, their understanding becomes more complex and the begin to see how geometry plays a meaningful part in their lives.
As primary school aged learners today, children need to be prepared to enter a world as adults in 2030 and beyond. As the world continues to modernise in education, industry and cultural norms, students will inevitably need to be equipped with the following skills to succeed:
Facilitating imaginative thinking to develop innovation and new ideas.
Questioning, and expressing ideas using a range of communication strategies including, written, verbal, visual and digital
Encouraging learning through social interactions. Collective thinking skills are developed through working in groups.
Learning strategies are focused on developing a deep understanding through developing problem solving skills and investigative or hands on learning experiences.
The resources provided on this website are examples of how teachers engage students in geometric learning experiences specifically targeted at their level of skill and knowledge, from Foundation to level 3. In connection with these resources, this website provides tip sheets which will assist parents and carers to support the learning of students from home and environments outside of school with relevance to students current learning at school.