Taking Shape: Activities to Develop Geometric and Spatial Thinking, 1st edition

Published by Pearson (August 28, 2015) © 2016

  • Joan Moss
  • Catherine D. Bruce
  • Bev Caswell
  • Tara Flynn
  • Zachary Hawes

Paperback

$101.95 AUD
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ISBN-13: 9780134153490
Taking Shape: Activities to Develop Geometric and Spatial Thinking
Published 2015

Enrich Your Geometry Curriculum and Extend Your Students’ Spatial Reasoning


Research shows that children with good spatial skills perform better in mathematics overall. This research-based resource is a unique blend of professional learning and classroom activities.

It includes:

  • 32 field-tested and research-based activities designed to appeal to young children
  • Guided lesson plans that serve as models for best practice in instruction
  • Tips on observing, questioning, and assessing young children’s geometric and spatial thinking
Preface

PART 1

I. Why Teach Math in the Early Years?
  • The Predictive Power of Early Mathematics
  • Socioeconomic Factors and Equity
  • Recent Research on Mathematics Readiness of Young Children
  • The What and Why of Spatial Reasoning
  • Spatial Reasoning in Our Daily Lives
II. What Makes This Resource Different from Others?
  • A Different Approach to Geometry
  • Reflection Symmetry
  • Composition and Decomposition of 2D and 3D Figures
  • Perspective Taking
  • An Emphasis on Playful Pedagogy
  • Opportunities and Limitations of Play-Based Learning
  • Most Effective Pedagogy: Blending of Play and Instruction Approaches
  • Story of a Research Study: Comparing Free Play, Direct Instruction and Guided Play
  • The Math for Young Children Research Program
  • What Does Playful Pedagogy Look Like in M4YC?
  • M4YC Case Studies #1, #2 
III. A Closer Look at Spatial Reasoning Concepts and Processes
  • Visualization in Early Years Mathematics
  • Mental Rotation in Early Years Mathematics
  • Visual-Spatial Working Memory
  • Information Processing in Early Years Mathematics
  • Spatial Language in Early Years Mathematics
  • Gestures in Early Years Mathematics
IV. How to Use this Resource
  • How Is the Book Set Up?
  • Math and Spatial Reasoning Connections
  • Math Language in Focus
  • Lesson Structure
    - Key Questions
    - What to Look For, What to Listen For: Ongoing Assessment of Student Learning
    - Supporting Learners
    - Assessing for Reporting
    - Extensions/Variations
    - From Our Research Classrooms
  • Implementation
  • Where to Begin?
  • Ways to Use the Resource Throughout the Year
  • Connecting to Other Math Strands and Curriculum Areas
  • Observing Student Thinking: JK–Grade 2 Assessment Suggestions
  • Assessment Components in the Guided Lessons, Quick Challenge, and Exploratory Tasks
  • One-to-One Interview Assessment Task

PART II 
Chapter A: Reflection Symmetry

What It Is
Why We Engage Children in These Tasks
Chapter Overview
  • Guided Lesson: Let’s Learn About Symmetry
  • Symmetry Pattern Block Centre
  • Double Pentomino Symmetry Games
  • Symmetry on Grids: Integrating Location and Number
  • Grid Symmetry Pair Game
  • Finding the Symmetry of Pentomino Figures
  • Symmetry of the Alphabet Letters
  • Mental Symmetry Folding with the Hole Punch
  • Symmetry Card Games 
Chapter B: Composing, Decomposing, and Transforming 2D Shapes

What It Is
Why We Engage Children in These Tasks
Chapter Overview
  • Guided Lesson: Finding the Magic (Pentomino) Keys
  • See It, Build It, Check It (Pattern Blocks)
  • Make a Hexagon Card Game
  • The Shape Composer
  • Can You Draw This?
  • See It, Build It, Check It (Tangrams)
  • Can You Cover It?
  • The Square Mover
  • Triangle Creations!
Chapter C: Composing, Decomposing, and Transforming 3D Shapes

What It Is
Why We Engage Children in These Tasks
Chapter Overview
  • Guided Lesson: The Cube Challenge—Discovering 3D Congruence
  • See It, Build It, Check It! (Cubes)
  • Build It in Your Mind
  • 2D–3D Building
  • Box or Not?
  • Cross-Section Challenge (or 3D Puzzle Challenge)
  • Building Rules! (3-Layer Version)
  • Building Rules! (Extension Version) 
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