[LCteacher]

I'm a currently a student intern and I will soon be teaching a lesson on geometry. I haven't decided whether I will be doing two or three dimensional shapes yet, though. Does anyone have any ideas on books that would be good to read to a lower 3rd grade math class that introduces geometric shapes? Any creative ideas on how to make this lesson more hands-on? Any comments welcome! Thanks!

[hescollin]

Have students make shapes with mini marshmellows and toothpicks.

[vjc123]

I taught a lesson on three-dimensional shapes in first grade and I used playdough. I had the children create three-dimensional shapes using the playdough and they loved it. I think your third graders will have a lot of fun with it. Good luck!

p.s. the dollar store has playdough

[kreeves]

AWESOME idea, vjc123. I wish I had thought to do that last year with my second graders! They would have loved that. I'd do that one, if I were you, LCteacher...that's a wonderful hands-on idea!

[Begood]

First I had my students create 3-d shapes using outlines from Abcteach.com

Then the next day they paired up with someone and used a veen diagram to compare them. They enjoyed this.

Also We created angles using cut up straws and I had them label them on paper. Then they could create their own shape and write how many angles it had.


Begood

[dlynneteacher]

I am a third grade teacher. I like these ideas. I also wanted to add, I begin my unit on geometry by reading The Greedy triangle. I let the kids stand while I'm reading and use their hands to make the shapes. Third graders love this too. Have fun!

[LCteacher]

Thank you all so much for your wonderful responses. Dlynneteacher, thanks so much for the book idea! I was hoping that someone would know of a good book!

[Mr. K]

Shape Up by David Adler. Using cheese, pretzels, and bread, the students build polygons, angles, lines, etc. The kids always love it.

Also, if working with 3D shapes...after the kids have a handle on them, have them build huge shapes with masking tape and rolled up newspaper. These huge models are great for teaching faces, edges, etc.

[KathyB]

There is also a twizzlers book out about geometry where the kids use twizzlers (the skinny ones) to make the different shapes.

My students each get a net of a shape (important to see it in that form too) and then they fold it and create the 3D shape. THen their table group creates a museum complete with a card for each shape that labels the number of corners, sides, and edges and the name of the shape.
-gh

I am planning on teaching three dimensional shapes with playdoh as well. Can you go into more detail on your lesson? My email is laura626998xplornet.com
Thanks, I am a student teacher teaching senior kindergarten.
Laura