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Teaching basic geometry vocabulary can be a challenge. Still, it is essential to help our students learn the basics of geometry and build a solid foundation in this part of mathematics. Keep reading this post to learn the tips and tricks for helping fourth and fifth graders learn these essential vocabulary words.
Teaching vocabulary is a weak point of mine.
I teach it, point it out, use it in a sentence for a while, and then forget I taught it the next week.
So I’m trying to increase the number of practice activities in my repertoire.
Teaching math is also a weak point of mine, as I’ve already pointed out.
That is why I thought combining the two would be a more efficient
That’s why I’ve compiled these strategies for teaching basic geometry vocabulary. Keep reading to learn more!
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Break it up into Sections
When you’re teaching basic geometry vocabulary, it’s essential to recognize that it all builds upon each other.
You can’t figure out what a right triangle is without first knowing what a right angle is. You can’t figure out what a right angle is if you don’t know what a ray is or a point.
That’s why I always recommend starting with simple concepts.
I start with what I call the Fundamentals. It covers what a line is, a line segment, a ray, and a point.
After we build those sold basics, we move on to other basic geometry vocabulary. My sections proceed as follows,
- Fundamentals
- Types of Lines
- Types of Angles
- Triangles
- Quadrilaterals
Now if all of this is sounding like a lot of prep work, don’t worry. I compiled all of this into a reusable interactive slide show years ago.
It’s available for purchase here!
Writing Definitions
It’s important to remember that just saying the definition isn’t enough. Kids news to engage with the words if they’re going to learn basic geometry vocabulary.
That’s why in my interactive slide show, a section is included for kids to write the definitions down. They can either copy down your definition or use your own words.
Dealer’s choice!
Quiz Knowledge in Increments
Did you know that taking tests isn’t just a mean thing we teachers force kids to do but that they actually serve a purpose?
Probably because you’re a teacher if you’re reading this blog. I’m sure you remember all the times in college they talked about using summative versus formative data.
But did you know that tests also help students? Giving pre-tests and quizzes to check in throughout a unit can help reinforce learning.
That’s why as I move from section to section, I always have my students take a short quiz, not for me, but for them.
And the fun part of my interactive presentations is that it gives them instant feedback on their performance. My students are always more engaged when there are clickable buttons and suspense about being right and wrong.
It’s not a quiz. It’s a game!
Click here to purchase and engage students!
Final Thoughts
I know that a lot of this sound intimidating. It’s a lot of vocabulary and a lot of prep work!
But when you’re calm and focused, your students will excel and do even better. That’s why I recommend you take advantage of the work I’ve already put in and purchase my interactive slideshow.
You can assign it to Google Classroom and use it year, after year, after year.