Attributes

April 24th, 2019

As we start to take a look into Geometry we discuss Attributes of shapes and this is so important when talking about geometry.  The link above goes to a great attribute core lesson Standards 3.G.A.1 that I really enjoyed watching, I think it used great simple graphics and was easy to follow along and understand.  So what are Attributes?  An Attribute is a feature or characteristic used to describe an object.  In our case we are describing shapes, different sizes, different colors, different attributes that make them similar or individual, alike or not alike.

We did an activity in class with shapes and we had to figure out their different attributes and had to fill in a chart.

Attribute chart

We then got to play with shapes and we made one difference trains with out shapes, meaning we made a train of shapes and each shape next to each other had to have only one difference in an attribute between them.

We had 5 shapes, 3 different colors and each shape had 2 sizes a large shape and a small shape for each shape in each color.  We made difference trains and also made Venn Diagrams and played the What am I game?  We had 30 shapes, as the professor named off the attributes we took away the opposite of what was said it was or took away what she said it was not.  

Can you guess me shape?

* I am not red---------> so we took all reds away

* I am not a circle--------> took all circles away

* I am not large--------->took all large shapes away

* I am blue----------->took all colors but the blue away, so all the shapes in front of us are blue.

* I do not have obtuse angles------> took everything away with more than 90 degrees.

* I do not have right angles-----> took everything away with right angles

What am I?   I'm not telling! Figure it out for yourself ;)

Math Manipulatives

April 20th, 2019

Manipulatives are physical objects and in general, goods gifts to teachers.  They are amazing teaching tools that get students engaged using their hands and their minds to play, manipulate and find solutions.  Curriculum standards call for use of mathematical manipulates and are essential in teaching mathematics.  Here are different ways we may use manipulates in a class room according to Arizona Mathematics Standards:

■ sorting—a pre-mathematical skill that aids in comprehension of patterns and functions 

■ ordering—a pre-mathematical skill that enhances number sense and other math-related abilities 

■ distinguishing patterns—the foundation for making mathematical generalizations 

■ recognizing geometric shapes and understanding relationships among them 

■ making measurements, using both nonstandard and standard units with application to both two and three-dimensional objects 

■ understanding the base-ten system of numbers 

■ comprehending mathematical operations— addition, subtraction, multiplication, division 

■ recognizing relationships among mathematical operations 

■ exploring and describing spatial relationships 

■ identifying and describing different types of symmetry 

■ developing and utilizing spatial memory 

■ learning about and experimenting with transformations 

■ engaging in problem-solving 

■ representing mathematical ideas in a variety of ways 

■ connecting different concepts in mathematics 

■ communicating mathematical ideas effectively

Various Mathematical Manipulates

Manipulatives are important tools in helping students to think and experiment by giving them a more concrete way to compare and reason the concepts, guiding their thought process along so the can come up with tangible results.  Some of the favorites used in classes are Base Ten blocks, Pattern blocks, Unifix cubes, Teddy Bear Counters (now they have bugs and other kinds), Judy Clock, Calendars(used daily), Rulers, Attribute blocks, Ang Legs, Cuisenaire Rods, Spinners and the list goes on.  I found this website Hand 2 Mind, it has a great manipulative glossary and you can also makes purchases of manipulates, but I found their descriptions to be educational explaining what they can do or be used for.

I started to do some research in Manipulates and saw a lot of research that had been done by NCTM, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, which is also an online publication and has tons of resources(membership).  I read several reports on the use of manipulates and their name came coming up so I wanted to include it here because they seem to be some leading research showing the use of manipulates increase the persons thought process, taking concrete ideas into abstract building that conceptual understanding.

Our class has used many manipulatives and I will continue onto my next posts the ideas we used them for and dive further into another concept.