Activity
Math shapes: Classification and drawing of shapes
Build strong geometry concepts with these activities!
This is the second post in the series about how to introduce math shapes to young students which will lay the foundation for geometry concepts. Students should first be introduced to various common shapes using real objects before tactile images. The Math shapes: Marshmallows and toothpicks activities post introduced tracing shapes and creating simple shapes using marshmallows and toothpicks. Now let’s dive a little deeper into the various classifications of shapes and how to draw them.
Classification of polygons
A polygon is a closed geometric shape made of a finite number of straight line-segments joined end to end. In Greek, ‘poly’ means ‘many’ and ‘gon’ means ‘angle’.
Polygons have a minimum of three sides but can have any maximum number of sides. A polygon is usually named based on the number of sides it contains.
The most common polygons (3 to 10 sides) are:
- Triangle (3 sides)
- Quadrilateral (4 sides)
- Pentagon (5 sides)
- Hexagon (6 sides)
- Heptagon (7 sides)
- Octagon (8 sides)
- Nonagon (9 sides)
- Decagon (10 sides)
Image 1: Polygons by MathMonks
- Polygons by MathMonks (with text)
- Polygons plain (no text, ready for PIAF and Swell machines)
Classification of triangles
All triangles have three sides and three vertices; however, the length of each side can vary.
- Equilateral Triangle has three equal sides.
- Isosceles Triangle has two equal sides.
- Scalene Triangle has no equal sides.
- Acute Triangle has three angles less than 90 degrees.
- Right Triangle has one angle that is 90 degrees.
- Obtuse Triangle has one angle that is more than 90 degrees.
One or two small parallel lines is placed on the two or three equal sides to indicate that these sides are the same length. A right angle (90 degrees) is indicated by a small square drawn in the corner.
Image 2: Classification of Triangles by Cuemath. Image of each triangle with written description.
- Triangles by Cuemath (with text)
- Triangles plain (no text, ready for PIAF and Swell machines)
Classification of quadrilaterals
A quadrilateral is a flat geometric shape having four straight sides and four vertices. It is a type of polygon. These shapes are all quadrilaterals:
- Rectangle
- Square
- Parallelogram
- Rhombus
- Trapezoid
- Kite
Image 3: Quadrilaterals by Math Monks
- Quadrilaterals by Math Monks (with text)
- Quadrilaterals plain (no text, ready for PIAF and Swell machines)
Students who can create shapes through tactile manipulatives or raised line drawing can demonstrate their understanding of the components (lines and angles) of each shape. These hands-on activities will reinforce concepts, build creativity and provide a strong foundation for more complex tactile images used in higher math classes. In the previous post, Math shapes: Marshmallow and toothpicks activity, we reviewed tracing around various shapes and then learned about how to create shapes using marshmallows and toothpicks. The next step is the student’s ability to draw tactile shapes and then to use these shapes as tools in the math class to complete assignments.
APH’s Graphic Aid for Mathematics is a board that uses push pins, rubber bands and flat spring wires. The cork board is a covered with a rubber mat that has a raised line grid. Students inserts the push pins in desired coordinates and then uses rubber bands to make straight lines and the flat spring wires to make circles or arcs.
Image 4: Graphic Aid for Math
The Tactile graphics tools post mentions a variety of tools – several which are available through APH quota funds – that students can use to draw tactile shapes.
APH’s Geometry Tactile Graphics Kit includes a set of thermoformed raised-line drawings and two specially adapted protractors for students to use to draw shapes, lines and angles. The kit also includes 52 drawings which are larger than the graphics in braille textbooks, making it easier for student to learn how measure.
Find more Geometry-related products by APH here.
Activities
Pre-teach the various shapes before the student is exposed to them in class. Confirm that the student knows the terms, can identify each shape correctly and can describe the shape accurately. Create tactile images of each shape. Play games such as matching shapes, BINGO cards with the shapes and other fun activities. Ask the student to draw the shape(s) using on or more of the tools listed above. Try several tools. Which tool does the student prefer and why?
Ask the student draw a person, animal and/or object using the shape. Example: Can you draw a person using the triangle shape? (Introduce the standard “woman” bathroom symbol that has a triangle “skirt”.) What shapes would you use to draw a house? A puppy’s head with ears? Provide examples if needed. Be creative! Make up a story to go along with the shape drawing! Incorporate drawing shapes into other subjects such as art activities and literacy.
Resources
More posts in this geometry series!
- Math shapes: Marshmallows and toothpicks activity!
- Math shapes: Classification and drawing of shapes
- Math shapes: Introducing APH Memory Puzzles
- Math shapes: Desmos geometry points and lines
- Math shapes: Desmos geometry circles and polygons
- Creating an accessible geometry worksheet: Desmos Geometry Tool (workflow video)
- More Desmos Geometry Tool posts! (Coming soon!)
By Diane Brauner
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