Math: Geometry

Pre-K-5: Instructional programs from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 should enable all students to use visualization, spatial reasoning and geometric modeling to solve problems.

• In Pre-Kindergarten through grade 2, all students should recognize geometric shapes and structures in the environment and specify their location.
• In grades 3-5, all students should build and draw geometric objects.

Standards are listed with permission from Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, copyright 2000 by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). NCTM does not endorse the content or validity of these alignments.

Source:Principles and Standards for School Mathematics

Enable students to explore geometry through art, as they represent animals and common objects with an assortment of shapes. Younger students can tell stories about their pictures. Older students can calculate the total area of each shape in the picture. Students can even create symmetrical images and find the axis of symmetry.

Note: This lesson can be created using either Ellison AllStar or SureCut Dies.

Supplies Used: Cardstock, Colored Pens or Pencils, Covered Wire or Thin Yarn, Crayons, Glue, Pipe Cleaners, Pom Poms, Scissors

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Die-cut the shapes from a variety of colors using cardstock or construction paper. Laminate for sturdier, long-lasting pieces.
2. Using any combination of shapes, students can create fun animals and figures.
3. Highlight with colored pens, pencils and crayons.
4. Decorate with pipe cleaners, pom poms, covered wire or thin yarn (see Main Photo).