COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT: Mathematics, Shapes

Throughout their early years, children notice and explore mathematical dimensions of their world. They compare quantities, find patterns, navigate in space, and grapple with real problems such as balancing a tall block building or sharing a bowl of pretzels fairly with a friend. Mathematics helps children make sense of their world outside of school and helps them construct a solid foundation for success in school.

Throughout his school day, Noel is provided with endless opportunities to develop and enhance his mathematical skills. An example is the introduction of our math workshops. We launched our first Math Workshop with the mathematical concept of plane geometry, 2-D shapes. We first read Tana Hoban’s book, circles, triangles and squares. 

  

Using no text, this book introduces the geometric concepts of circles, triangles and squares demonstrated in photographs of bridges, buildings, windows, tires, boats, and other objects. After the read aloud, the Cardinals had a discussion on basic geometric shapes and their characteristics. After the thought-provoking discussion on two dimensional geometry shapes, the Cardinals set out to attend the workshops.

One station was set up with Shape Bingo ....

Another was the Playdough Shape Station with circle, square and rectangle cookie cutters.

Additional was a Shape Stamping Station where Noel and the other Cardinals were encouraged to make a bird using 2-D shape stamps.

Lastly was the Rock Shape Challenge Station in the Rock Sculpting Center where Noel and the other Cardinals picked a challenge and created the design using rocks.  

Throughout all these activities, Noel demonstrated his exceptional recognition of basic geometric shapes such as square, circle, rectangle, triangle and oval.