Sorting Shapes
Most students knew the names of these shapes and could easily group them together. They collected objects from around the classroom and sorted them into shape groups. There seemed to be lots of rectangle objects in Room 16.
Describing Shapes
When describing these shapes, the students were introduced to the mathematical terms; sides, straight line, curved line and vertices.
Guess the Shape Game
When playing the game, ‘Guess the Shape’, students had to describe, using those mathematical terms, a selected shape to a chosen student who could not see the shape. The chosen student needed to identify what that shape was. This game provided the students with lots of opportunities to use those descriptive words and connect them to the correct shape.
What’s this shape? Billy
It has four vertices and four lines. They are the same. Evie
It’s a square. Ellie
Now, what’s this shape? Billy
It’s got four vertices. Two lines are little and two lines are big. Tabitha
I think it’s a rectangle. Jade
Shape Monsters
The students selected one large shape and transformed it into a Shape Monster. Using black and white paper, they crafted an open mouth with sharp pointy teeth. Arms, legs, hair and eyes were added to complete their scary image. Excitedly, the students named their Shape Monster and described it using mathematical language.
This is a square. It is my Square Monster. It has four vertices and it has four sides.
Triangle. It has three corners. It has three lines.
Shape Robots
The students selected many shapes to create their Shape Robot. This mechanical machine had to have a head with two eyes and a mouth, a body, two arms and two legs. It also needed to have a crazy name. When their robot was completed, students had to state the number of squares, rectangles, circles and triangles they used.
Students could identify these shapes quickly and easily. When describing a shape they could use mathematical language to state the number of vertices and lines a shape has.
I believe Wairakei Primary School is a special place. It provides a safe environment for our children to discover, create and develop their love of learning.
I grew up in Taupō and have lived here most of my life. I am married with two grown sons and two delightful grandchildren. My husband and I enjoy travelling, spending time with our family and friends, tramping and camping. I love arts and crafts, in particular painting and sketching. Before becoming a teacher, I was a tailor and had my own clothing design business. I still enjoy designing and making clothing, especially wedding dresses.
I have been a teacher since 2005. I joined Wairakei Primary School in 2018. I love teaching and I especially love teaching at Wairakei Primary School. I became a teacher after 7 years as a scout leader for 1st Taupō Scouts. This was where I realised my desire to inspire and educate children was more important to me than just one hour, once a week.
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