This lesson on mathematics introduces students to basic geometric shapes, encouraging the children to discover these shapes in the world around them.

Teachers note: Because of the broad range of ages in some classes and the concrete nature of mathematics knowledge development, these lessons are not intended to be traditional mathematics lessons. In keeping with the FasTracKids education philosophy, these lessons introduce mathematics concepts as one component of the overall knowledge enrichment. With games and activities using primary numbers, students are able to concentrate on their presentations, deduction and application of the knowledge, rather than merely focusing on the numbers themselves.

Note: If you have a Hitachi Board, activate the pen tool for this lesson. It is utilized in the last segment called "Circle the Shapes".

"Introduction to Numbers and Shapes"
Cartoon characters start the lesson by discussing how much 'easier' mathematics would be if there were only one number and one shape. This encourages students to start thinking and talking about the impact different numbers and shapes have on their lives.

"Number Order Game"
Touch-screen activity - The numbers on the Learning Station need to put into the correct order where they belong. Students activate the numbers by touching them and moving them to their correct location. This exercise reinforces their knowledge of the order of numbers.

"Arrange the Shapes Game"
Touch-screen activity - After the numbers are in order, the narration instructs students to put the different geometric shapes in the correct drawers as shown. (Students touch the correct drawer as opposed to dragging). The narration also encourages the students to name the shapes as they are being chosen. As the shape names have not been mentioned yet, this gives the teacher an opportunity to know how many students already know the names.

"Find the Circle"
Touch-screen activity - The first shape introduced is the circle. Students are first introduced to the shape, then shown a picture on the Learning Station of an outdoor scene that contains many items shaped like circles. Students chose circle items by touching them to highlight. After all of the circles have been chosen, the game advances.

"Circles in Your Classroom"
Now that circles have been introduced, students must locate circles in their own classroom. This is an immediate application of transfer of knowledge as well as spatial knowledge. Students must listen to the descriptions given by the narration to locate high circles, low circles, big, tiny, etc.

"Ovals"
The next shape is introduced as a 'relative' of the circle….the oval. Talk about the similarities as students are instructed to make the shapes with their arms.

"Squares"
Hands-on activity - Squares are introduced next by a drawing activity. A picture of animals with fences missing is provided on your disk. Students must draw fences around the different animals, thereby creating squares. This is accomplished by connecting the dots with straight lines. Younger students will probably require an example done for them by the teacher or an older student. Remind students how straight lines create a square.

"Rectangles"
Rectangles are introduced as a relative of the square. Students are now instructed to locate rectangle shapes in their classroom. Talk about the differences and similarities of the squares and rectangles.

"Square and Rectangle Game"
Touch-screen activity - A picture on the Learning Station contains squares and rectangles for the students to locate and choose. As the squares are chosen, they will become red. Chosen rectangles will become blue.
Hands-on activity - A handout of the picture is also provided on your disk. Students are instructed to color the squares red and the rectangles blue. The children must use listening skills to know what to do with their handout. This coloring activity also reinforces their recognition of the difference between the shapes as well as 'color-classifying' the items.

"Triangles"
As triangles are introduced, students again are instructed to locate triangle-shaped items in their classroom. They are also show how a square becomes a triangle by being folded in half diagonally.
Hands-on activity - Provide SQUARE pieces of paper for your students to fold. Hint: provide different sizes and colors of squares for students to compare.

"Make Your Own Shape"
Hands-on activity - Students are instructed to create a shape on paper using a line of glue. Younger students may need some assistance. Students then apply glitter or other glueable material (rice, confetti, sand) to the glue. Teachers may again need to remind the students to allow the glue to dry. After their pictures are dry, encourage the students to close their eyes and carefully run their fingers over the different shapes. Encourage them to talk about the differences and similarities as they feel them.
Note: If you are running short on time, set these aside to dry and return to them later, as the program encourages the students to examine their shape creations again prior to the end of the lesson.

"String Shapes"
Physical activity - To illustrate the fluidity of shapes, students are instructed to participate as teams to create large shapes using string or ribbon. As the students move around to create the shapes, they must listen to the Learning Station dialog as well as work as a team.

"Name the Shape"
Touch-screen game - Students are asked a variety of questions that describe different characteristics of shapes. They must choose the correct answer on the Learning Station by activating the shape icon.

"Circle The Shape"
Learning Station drawing activity - Challenge Pig character asks students to outline different shapes shown in pictures on the Learning Station. Classrooms that use the Hitachi pen tool must have that application activated prior for this activity. Students in classrooms with the Smart Board will use their finger to draw.

"Before You Go Home"
Video-taping activity - Students are instructed to feel the shapes they earlier created. Then, as you encourage students to talk about their favorite shapes, or what they learned about shapes in the lesson, videotape their presentations. Students should be instructed to listen carefully to the videotaping instructions on the Learning Station. Remember to encourage them to create complete sentences.

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
worksheet of animals to draw fences (squares) - provided on disk
square pieces of paper to fold into triangles - different sizes and colors
paper, glue and glitter or other tactile material to create 'touchable' shapes
long string or ribbon for students to create large shapes as a group
Videotape