Introduction to Geometry for Primary Students

Describe the Shape

Objective: Students will learn to
identify a square, triangle, rhombus, trapezoid, and hexagon.


Manipulative Activity: Distribute
squares to all the children in the class. Hold up the square and ask the
children to describe the shape. Write the students' responses on the
board. Say the name of each shape and have the students repeat it,
following the same procedure for each one: square, triangle, rhombus,
trapezoid, and hexagon.


Technology Activity: Students will
use a pattern block applet written by Jacobo Bulaevsky to reinforce the identification and naming of each geometric shape. Depending on the availability of computers for your students, this activity could be done individually, with partners, in groups, or as a class.

Have students solve:
Can you identify:

1. a triangle?
   
2. a rhombus?
   
3. a trapezoid?
   
4. a hexagon?
   

Paper/Pencil Activity: Depending on
the level of your students, you can have them complete this activity
individually or with assistance. Here are some possible activities:

1. Print this triangle grid paper to use to make a pattern block design.
   

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1. Students color and list the shapes used.
   
2. Students draw their own design using pattern block shapes and write a
   story about it.
   

Making Patterns

Objective: Students will learn to
create patterns using squares and triangles.


Manipulative Activity: Draw a pattern on the chalkboard and ask the children to describe the pattern using the names of the shapes. Repeat with another pattern. Distribute the triangle and square blocks. Have the students create a pattern using the triangles and squares, and draw and color their patterns on paper.
Repeat the activity using different shapes.


Technology Activity: Students will use a pattern block applet written by Jacobo Bulaevsky to build patterns using the different polygons.


Have students solve:
Can you make a pattern:

1. using only triangles?
   
2. using only triangles and hexagons?
   
3. using all of the shapes: triangles, rhombuses, trapezoids, and
   hexagons?
   
4. covering all of the page?
   

Paper/Pencil Activity: Depending on the level of your students, you can have them complete this activity individually or with assistance. Here are some possible activities:

1. Print the triangle grid paper to use to make a pattern block design.
   
2. Students can make their own patterns using pasted shape cut-outs or
   stickers on paper.
   
3. Students can make a number pattern and have a partner guess what the
   pattern is.
   
4. Students can write about a pattern that they use every day.