Learning Shapes Through Play

Abstract

This curriculum is student friendly and is based on “geometry through play”. Many studies show that children learn best through play. For example, when a child is playing they are more likely to retain the information than when they are told to draw a triangle and explain how many sides it has. Geometry and spatial relationships are important for children because it helps the child to better understand their place in their environment. Students need to understand the importance of structure in shapes in order to better understand the lines in letters. In addition to “learning through play” research based ideas and using hand on activities, such as using spaghetti sticks, pattern blocks, shape sorters, picture books, and even utilizing Navajo rug design and storytelling. I believe that Navajo students should be able to have a cultural connection with both mainstream education and traditional cultural teachings. Students should be able to understand, recognize, identify, and generalize the use of shapes, patterns, and functions in math and be able to connect it to real world problems. The ability to see shapes in our environment is very important to understand math, specifically geometry because it can lead into problem solving. I believe if we have more students who have a strong formation in geometry they will see the world in a different light. “Earth measuring,” is what Geometry means in Greece.