Learning Opportunities

TARGET AUDIENCE: K-3 TEACHERS, MATH COACHES AND PRINCIPALS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND  (GRADE 4 TEACHERS MAY ALSO FIND IT QUITE INTERESTING TO LEARN ABOUT THESE KEY CONCEPTS)

Overview:

Did you know that spatial reasoning is an important predictor of school achievement and has a direct impact on STEM related careers? While we talk about spatial reasoning what does the term really mean? In this workshop, you’ll learn about the research findings and how critically important developing spatial reasoning is to overall student achievement and success. This highly interactive session focuses on five key strands related to geometry and spatial reasoning:

• Symmetry
• Composing, Decomposing, and Transforming Two-Dimensional Figures
• Composing, Decomposing, and Transforming Three-Dimensional Objects
• Locating, Orienting, Mapping, and Coding
• Perspective Taking

Outcomes:

• Develop a deeper understanding of young children’s geometry and spatial reasoning abilities
• Support early years educators in creating engaging learning environments that support purposeful play
• Explore the place and relation of geometry and spatial reasoning in the broader math curriculum
• Connections to AB Math K-2 curriculum

Math Resource

Taking Shape: Activities to Develop Geometric and Spatial Thinking

Authors: Joan Moss, Catherine D. Bruce, Bev Caswell, Tara Flynn, Zachary Hawes

Enrich Your Geometry Curriculum and Extend Your Students’ Spatial Reasoning

Research shows that children with good spatial skills perform better in mathematics overall. This research-based resource is a unique blend of professional learning and classroom activities.

This learning opportunity is being offered through curriculum implementation funding from Alberta Education