May Journal Article

The article entitled "Polygon Properties: What is Possible?" found in the Teaching Children Mathematics May, 2010 issue, is written by Paulette R. Rodrigue and Rebecca R. Robichaux. The article discusses the relatively simple idea of sorting shapes and solving riddles in the classroom with young children. The authors promotes that these specific activities can be used to help promote the advancement of geometric thinking in younger children. The authors also do an excellent job of connecting these activities and the overall process to nctm standards such as mathematical communication and cooperative learning.

I found this article particularly interesting because it related directly to an issue discussed in our reflections and evaluations of the curriculum plan presentations. On the evaluation sheets we were asked which content areas we see getting the least attention, and I specifically mentioned Geometry. I said then, and will say now, that I believe this is due in large part to the fact that many educators see the concepts in Geometry as something that cannot be taught any earlier than the middle school level. That is simply not the case, they just need to be taught in a different way. By providing activities such as those listed in this journal article (solving riddles and sorting simple shapes and patterns) we can provide young students with the basis for Geometry, while peaking their interest in a content area that would otherwise not be addressed.