Shaping Up in First Grade

In our most recent math lessons, first grade has been learning about the specific attributes of plane shapes and some fractions associated with these shapes.  We were puzzled trying to explain the subtle differences among a square, rectangle, rhombus and trapezoid since they all have four sides and four angles but the students were astute and were able to identify what made them each unique.  In one activity, the students worked cooperatively in small groups with pattern blocks to find out what different fractions could be discovered for each different shape by using smaller blocks to fill in the larger blocks.  The thoughtful discussions and excitement of discovering that occurred throughout the activity were wonderful! We even uncovered some new fractions! We figured out 1/6, 1/3, and 2/3!!

The students proudly shared their discoveries with one another and then went on to explore what creations they could make with all of these shapes!  We will soon be taking our shape unit to a new dimension, literally.  We will be exploring 3-D shapes or 'solid shapes' as they are called in our math books!