We all learn better when the new knowledge being presented relates to things we already do. When this unit presents key concepts like measurement, data, and geometry, the manipulatives intertwine so closely you can hardly tell them apart from the pictures. Just place the triangle on the picture and it fits perfectly! Now place another triangle next to it and what do you have? Suppose we look around the room and see what things we can find that are the same shape? These basic skills can’t get any more engaging — giving you the opportunity to teach from the concrete to the abstract so no student misses a beat.
Concrete and pictorial activities help you ensure mastery of each topic in Unit 4. Beginning shapes are introduced, sorted, classified, and related to the familiar environments of young children. Also included are comparisons such as small/ smaller/smallest, large/larger/largest, tall/ taller/tallest, long/longer/longest and heavy/heavier/heaviest. Good/got better/to make you the best.
Module Details:
Module 1: Describing Objects
This module provides guided practice in describing and comparing attributes of objects in and around them. Length is introduced vertically (height) with various units indicated in the pictures for reference. Weight is introduced as light (objects that float) and heavy (ones that sink). The individual descriptions are then integrated to include both length and weight. Further experiences are provided to compare lengths of the same object and different objects, again with an indicated unit for reference. The activities are repeated with weight. When the children complete this module, they will describe several attributes of a single object and compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common. These activities provide the foundation for sorting and classifying objects.
Module 2: Sorting and Classifying
This module extends the previous module to sorting and classifying by length and weight (measurable attributes). Students begin with sorting and classifying unlike objects and identifying the categories. The activities move to sorting and classifying the same object by length. Long, medium, and short are used for classification. Students then applying the concept to weight. Weight is further described as how hard it is to lift. Heavy, medium, and light are reinforced. When the children complete this module, they will demonstrate describing, sorting, and classifying by measurable attributes.
Module 3: Data
This module continues the scaffolding of instruction from describing, sorting, classifying, comparing and counting objects to representing the data. Students begin with sorting the same shape by size, cutting and pasting the pictures onto graphs, and identifying the number of each size. The activities proceed to sorting, classifying, cutting and pasting different shapes based on describable attributes, and counting the number in each category. Students then extend the learning to objects and then pictures of objects to sort, classify, graph, count, and the compare the numbers in the categories. When the children complete this module, they will be able to consistently sort and graph data and use graphs as visual organizers of information.
Module 4: 2-D Shapes
This module extends understanding of 2-D shapes. Defining attributes are highlighted to sort the shapes. Nondefining attributes (size and orientation) are included. Module 4 reviews focuses on identifying the shape and recognizing that size and orientation do not change the type of shape. The shapes explored are circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses, and hexagons. Students then move to composing shapes using the same shape and other shapes. The learning is scaffolded to include using shapes to build pictures of multiple shapes. When the children complete this module, they will have a strong foundation in recognizing shapes and their defining attributes. They will have a strong language base in basic geometry.
Module 5: 3-D Shapes
This module focuses on extending understanding from 2–D shapes to 3–D shapes. Coins are also included to meet state standards that require coin identification. Module 5 provides experiences and guided practice with cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres. Each shape is presented and described, matched by size to demonstrate that size does not change the type of shape, and identified from other shapes. Reviews are included as each new shape is introduced. When the children complete this module, they will understand the relationships and differences of 2–D and 3–D shapes. They will apply learning of attributes to define shapes.
Module 6: Shapes in the Environment
This module provides guided practice in applying the identification of shapes in the environment. Mixed shapes are included. The application is at the representational level. Center activities integrate the concrete-representational approaches. Describing objects by their relative position is introduced. Module 6 provides pictorial representations of scenes with mixed 2-D shapes, then 3-D shapes. The scenes and shapes in the context of the scenes are familiar. Review of the defining attributes is reinforced throughout the practice. Relative position is introduced as another way to describe objects. Vocabulary is presented, modeled, and encouraged throughout. When the children complete this module, they will have had many experiences applying and extending their understanding of 2-D and 3-D shapes to their environment.
Pre-K – Upper Grades SB Basic Resource Collection – Print Edition O...