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Geometry can be fun! Use our CONNETIX Geometry Pack to support your child’s learning, both now and in the future.
When we think about supporting our children with Maths, we usually think of arithmetic. As long as they have addition and subtraction under their belts, they should have everything they need, right? Well, not quite…
Did you know that according to research, it is actually spatial abilities (and not arithmetic) which form the foundation for a child’s future mathematical achievement? What’s more, these understandings and skills are best introduced in the early years.
The good news is that geometry can be a lot of fun. Geometry is the study of shape and space and it can be explored through PLAY. In fact play is the perfect way to introduce geometry in the early years, providing children with hands on, tactile experiences in which they can identify, analyse and create shapes.
Our Geometry Pack offers many quick and easy ways that little ones can develop their understanding of shape and space – and have fun along the way. Here are 5 ways that you can use the CONNETIX to support early learners:
Geometry with CONNETIX
The CONNETIX team of play experts is made up of qualified teachers, early childhood educators, industry specialists and dedicated parents who are passionate about open-ended play, STEAM learning and quality resources. Together, they share their expertise, experience and love of all things CONNETIX to inspire play-based learning.
On a large piece of paper, trace around each of the shapes in the Geometry Pack. Ask your child to fit each of the CONNETIX into the correct space. Children can spend hours on this game, which will help them to develop their spatial awareness. As they play, get into the habit of naming the shapes. This will boost their recognition and give them a sense of satisfaction too!
Top Tip: Why not stick your paper onto the fridge and get your child doing the same thing, but vertically? This, again, can improve spatial awareness and can help them spot shapes in different contexts.
CONNETIX are magnetic, so take advantage of this fact and get your child sorting shapes on the fridge. Take one of each shape and stick it onto the fridge, then ask your child to sort a basket of tiles into the correct place for each shape. Kids love the way that this looks on the fridge and will soon recognise that a triangle turned sideways is still a triangle.
Top Tip: To extend your child’s learning, ask them to name the properties of each shape. “How do we know that this is a triangle? What do all of these triangles have in common?”
Children love a bear hunt, so it stands to reason that they will love a shape hunt too, especially if you can make it seem like a big adventure. Give your child a basket full of CONNETIX and ask them to look for other things in the room which are the same shape. They will soon notice that the TV is a rectangle, that the carpet on the floor is a circle. This activity helps them to see shapes in everyday contexts.
Top Tip: Once your child feels confident about identifying shapes, why not ask them to find the biggest and smallest of each shape? This will help them to compare and will develop their spatial awareness.
CONNETIX are magnetic, so take advantage of this fact and get your child sorting shapes on the fridge. Take one of each shape and stick it onto the fridge, then ask your child to sort a basket of tiles into the correct place for each shape. Kids love the way that this looks on the fridge and will soon recognise that a triangle turned sideways is still a triangle.
Top Tip: To extend your child’s learning, ask them to name the properties of each shape. “How do we know that this is a triangle? What do all of these triangles have in common?”
The Geometry Pack is not just for younger children. Older children can do a lot with it too! Stand each shape up on a piece of paper and ask your child to trace its refractions. As they do this, they will start to notice different features, even between the same types of shape. Once they are comfortable doing this, help them by naming the specific types of shape. Isosceles triangle? Hexagons? No sweat.
Top Tip: Get your children creating shapes by moving things around. Can they create a triangle using four equilateral triangles? How about a parallelogram from two isosceles triangles?
Our magnetic tiles are designed to stick together, meaning that they are ideal for creating 3D shapes. Once again, challenge older children to create 3D shapes using their tiles. Can they make a cube? A pyramid? What are the properties of each shape?
Top Tip: Extend their learning by getting your child to look at 3D shapes on a larger scale. What shape is your home? A car? A skyscraper? Are certain shapes more suitable for certain things?
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to use our CONNETIX Geometry Pack to support your child’s learning – and to keep them entertained for hours at a time! You can find even more inspiration for ways you can use CONNETIX to support learning on our Instagram page.
We would love to see some of the ways that you use our Geometry Pack. Tag us in your photos on Instagram and Facebook and lets share ideas. The only limit is our imagination. We can’t wait to see what you do!
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