Why not use the Langeroo ‘Shapes’ topic to enhance the teaching and learning of 2D and 3D shapes?
NEW ‘rotation’ feature added to the shape Scene Maker
Topic Vocabulary: shapes, circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval, star, cross, diamond, pentagon, hexagon, sphere, cube, cylinder, pyramid.
Each of the Langeroo games and activities in the topic will support the development of a child’s knowledge and understanding of shape. My son, age 6 (Langeroo tester and our biggest critic!!), has been able to identify and talk about 2D and 3D shapes since he was 4.
Why not use the Langeroo Shapes Word Bank as an introduction? Teachers can use the Word Bank on an Interactive White Board to introduce the 2D and 3D shapes in a bright, stimulating way. You may like to follow this with the Click On Games.
Now children can begin to ‘play’ the Langeroo Shape games in pairs or individually on a PC, Mac or tablet.
The Scene Maker is great for creating ‘Shape’ pictures and simple spatial patterns. It can also be used to investigate the rotational properties of shapes and to enhance the understanding of the term ‘clockwise’. Give children opportunities to talk about their creations. Scenes can be printed.
The Flashcards Teaching Tool or the Word Label activities are great for plenaries and assessments. But don’t take my word for it, try them out!
Remember, each word in the Shape Word Bank is accompanied by a colourful graphic that can be printed and used as flashcards, for card games and for display.
Supported with physical 2D and 3D models, your children will be a whizz with shapes!
Links to National Curriculum to 2014
Using and applying shape, space and measures
1. Pupils should be taught to:
Problem solving
c. select and use appropriate equipment and materials when solving shape and space problems
Communicating
1d. use the correct language and vocabulary for shape
Reasoning
e. recognise simple spatial patterns and relationships and make predictions about them
f. use mathematical communication and explanation skills.
Understanding patterns and properties of shape
2. Pupils should be taught to:
a. describe properties of shapes that they can see or visualise using the related vocabulary
b. observe, handle and describe common 2D and 3- shapes; name and describe the mathematical features of common 2D and 3D shapes, including triangles of various kinds, rectangles including squares, circles, cubes, cuboids, then hexagons, pentagons, cylinders, pyramids, cones and spheres
c. create 2D shapes and 3D shapes
Understanding properties of position and movement
3. Pupils should be taught to:
a. observe, visualise and describe positions, directions and movements using common words
b. recognise movements in a straight line (translations) and rotations, and combine them in simple ways
c. recognise right angles.