Math: Geometry and Time

First graders began a new unit in math this week focused on geometry and time. Unit learning goals include reasoning with shapesa nd their attributes, partitioning shapes into equal pieces, and telling time to the hour and half hour. The current series of lessons requires students to identify the defining attributes (number of straight sides and vertices) of triangles, rectangles, and squares, and distinguish them from non-defining attributes (color, orientation, size). They will also compose shapes from smaller shapes to deepen their understanding of two- and three-dimensional shapes. The spatial reasoning here builds a foundation for understanding future mathematical concepts such as symmetry, congruence, fraction, area, and volume.