Shape Up!

A Location and Transformation resource package for teachers of Middle and Upper primary Mathematics

*Aligns with Australian Curriculum Mathematics content descriptors spanning Years 2 to 7.

Symmetry and TransformationThe learning issues: Strand - Measurement and Geometry Sub-strand – Location and transformation Targeted learning issues and misconceptions –

Difficulty identifying lines of symmetry in simple shapes and recognising shapes with no lines of symmetry

The belief that horizontal/vertical objects have corresponding symmetry

Belief that the terms translation, reflection and rotation are interchangeable

(National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM), n.d.).

When learners move into the middle years of schooling their geometric reasoning builds upon their prior understanding about spatial objects and relationships (Siemon, 2013). In order to extend learner’s geometrical understanding, teachers MUST be confident in their own geometrical knowledge!

DO NOT PANIC!!!

The Shape Up Resource Package has been designed to address these learning issues. Through a comprehensive range* of concrete materials, manipulatives, digital interactives and detailed instructional guidelines, teachers will be well-positioned to address the learning issues commonly encountered when teaching about symmetry and transformation. Designed with EVERY learner in mind, Shape Up promotes visualisation and spatial reasoning; key elements in the development of geometric thinking (Siemon et al, 2013).

*Kit includes: 3 picture books, 9 regular and irregular shape templates, class set of small mirrors, class set of large mirrors, A3 upper-case alphabet poster, Escher ‘Snakes’ poster, laminated upper-case letters of alphabet, rulers (28), whiteboard markers, thumbtacks, tracing paper, felt pens, laminated logo task cards and answer keys (8), geo-boards (28), rubber bands, string, class set of tangram puzzles (28), graph paper, 4x4 grid paper template, 6x6 grid paper template, 8x8 grid paper template, 2x2 grid template with focus, 1000’s of cut paper squares, Glogster link and teacher information book.

The package includes a selection of quality picture books which present the concepts of symmetry and

transformation to learners in an engaging way.

Picture books are a valuable tool in the maths classroom!They can be used to give relevant context to abstract concepts (Jenkins, 2010). The books included in Shape Up present stories and information

about symmetry in our world.

Hands-on experiences with folding are the key to student investigations in line symmetry (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. (2014).

Folding Shapes activity – through the process of folding, students investigate whether shapes are symmetrical. Templates provide examples and non-examples of horizontal, vertical and diagonal line symmetries. A class set of mirrors is included which enable learners to check for symmetry against their fold lines.

In using the hands-on Alphabet symmetry activity, students are able to explore the concepts of line and rotational symmetry in a relatable context.

A vital aspect of learning about symmetry is the opportunity for hands on experiences in manipulating shapes and images (Haylock, 2001).

Rotate the shape – this resource supports learners in the investigation of rotational symmetry. The physical act of rotating or turning objects or shapes is the key to developing understanding about rotational symmetry (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2014).

The Australian Curriculum requires learners in Year 5 to ‘Identify line and rotational symmetries’ (ACARA, 2012).

These concepts are also evident in the Year 6 AND 7 content descriptors in the strand of Measurement and Geometry.

The Logo symmetry resource aims to reinforce learning about line and rotational symmetries through student engagement with these concepts in therecognisable contexts of logos, shapes and images.

The scaffolded task cards provide learners at

all stages of understanding with opportunities to engage with the content and extend and refine knowledge about symmetry through

the processes of classification and deductive reasoning (Marzano & Pickering, 1997).

Geoboards…a marvellous resource!Not only can these plastic wonders engage your learners in valuable hands-on experiences with transformational processes and line symmetry, they can also be used across other concept areas, such as; Mapping Perimeter and area Fractions Addition and subtraction Multiplication and division Angles AND consider the benefits to fine motor development!

In relation to our learning issues, maths manipulatives such as geo-boards support learning of transformational processes by enabling students to see what stays the same and what changes when a process (flip, turn, slide) happens to a shape (Lira & Ezeife, 2008).

Tangrams - These ancient Chinese puzzles can be used to develop problem-solving and logical thinking skills, visual-spatial awareness, and the understanding of concepts such as symmetry, congruency and the transformational processes of geometry (Hallissey, 2012). In using tangrams, learners are engaging with physical representations of the transformational processes of rotation, reflection and translation which can support learning of associated vocabulary (Siemon et al., 2013).

Creating quilts – using this resource students can apply their understanding of transformational processes AND symmetry to create a product…did somebody say authentic assessment task?! The templates and instructions provided are differentiated to cater for various ability levels. Challenge YOUR learners with the 64 square quilt pattern!

Australian Curriculum approved – targets proficiency strands of Understanding, Problem-solving, Fluency AND reasoning!

Digital resources - GlogsterThe use of digital technology in mathematics learning can be a powerful tool for eliciting engagement, developing understanding and facilitating practice (Siemon et al., 2013).

A range of digital resources which address the learning issues associated with symmetry and transformational processes have been collated on the innovative online learning platform, Glogster. These resources encompass engaging and informative YouTube clips, interactive games and learning tools, and links to some funky flip/turn/slide dance moves.

It is clear that Shape Up! is a curriculum supported program targeting learning issues often encountered in the teaching and learning of symmetry and transformational processes.As we have seen, the package encompasses digital and physical resources which engage learners in the vital processes of folding, turning, flipping, reflecting, exploring, investigating and identifying. In using Shape Up! your students will be fully supported in developing the skills and understanding associated with the targeted geometric concepts.

But, I hear you ask, what about ME, the TEACHER?!

We have you covered!Shape Up! is accompanied by an implementation manual which provides detailed learning activities, differentiation strategies and curriculum links for each resource.

Concerned about your own content knowledge? As an added bonus, the manual contains a subject vocabulary list so comprehensive YOU WON’T EVEN NEED TO THINK!

But Wait! There’s more!

Buy today and receive: a USB containing copies of all templates a link to our online Shape Up! network

Teacher testimonials:Shape Up! is the greatest mathematical tool since the

invention of numbers – Professor Minerva McGonagall

You should all buy one, two, three, four Shape Up! resource packages! Ah ah ah ah! – The Count

Shape Up! Clearly promotes the learning development of spatialconcepts. Two congruent thumbs up! – Dina and Pierre van Hiele

ONLY$299! BUY TODAY!