Geometry and Spatial Sense-Mathematics: Ages 3-5

Widely Held Expectations

• Child develops knowledge of geometric principles
• Learns about shapes
• Classifies and sorts different shapes
• Combines different shapes to make representations or patterns
• Child develops spatial sense
• Uses comparison words correctly
• Uses words that describe the relative position of things
• Child groups objects together that are the same in some way and
   gives reasons for groupings

Learning in Action: Examples

The Child

• Recognizes and names simple shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc.) in various sizes and positions
• Uses a pegboard to create geometric shapes with rubber bands
• Uses descriptive words (on, off, on top of, under, in, out, behind, below, above, between, around, through, across, up, down, near, far,
  next to, etc.)
• Compares the various sizes of unit blocks (longer, shorter, same length) to build math skills

The Adult

• Provides blocks of various shapes and sizes to encourage children to make comparisons
• Gives children opportunities to create designs with pattern blocks; draw, paint and cut shapes in their artwork; return blocks to the shelves by sorting them; and locate shapes in the outdoor environment
• Provides empty boxes, tubes and containers for children to use in
  creating and constructing

The Environment Includes

• A variety of materials (purchased, teacher made and items from nature, etc.) for counting, comparing and drawing conclusions about relationships, including blocks and other manipulatives