Grade R Mathematics – Exploring My Body: Shapes and Sizes

Grade R Mathematics - Exploring My Body: Shapes and Sizes

Grade R Mathematics – Exploring My Body: Shapes and Sizes


1. Lesson Plan Title:

Grade R Mathematics – Exploring My Body: Shapes and Sizes

2. Materials Needed:

  • Various shapes cut out from colored paper (circles, squares, rectangles, triangles)
  • A large mirror
  • A chart or poster of a human body showing different shapes (head, torso, arms, legs)
  • Rulers and measuring tape
  • A large piece of paper for body tracing
  • Safety scissors (child-friendly)
  • Glue
  • Markers or crayons

3. Learning Objectives:

  • Identify and name different shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle) through activities related to the human body.
  • Compare sizes of different shapes and body parts.
  • Develop spatial awareness through tracing their bodies and associating body parts with shapes.

4. Vocabulary:

  • Shape (forma)
  • Size (grootte)
  • Circle (sirkel)
  • Square (vierkant)
  • Rectangle (reghoek)
  • Triangle (driehoek)
  • Body part (liggaamsdeel)

5. Previous Learning:

Children have previously learned to identify and name basic shapes and have been introduced to the concept of size comparison through play activities. They have also started recognizing basic body parts.

6. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Difficulty differentiating between similar shapes (e.g., rectangles vs. squares).
    Solution: Provide concrete examples and allow manipulation of shape cutouts for hands-on learning.

  • Challenge: Maintaining focus during lengthy activities.
    Solution: Keep sessions interactive with movement and frequent transitions.

7. Beginning Activities (10% of time):

  • Introduction (5 mins): Gather children in a circle and introduce the lesson by showing a large cut-out picture of a human body. Discuss the shapes they see (e.g., head as a circle, arms as rectangles).

  • Mirror Activity (5 mins): Allow children to look at themselves in a mirror and identify shapes present in their bodies (e.g., shape of their heads, arms, and legs).

8. Middle Activities (80% of time):

  • Shape Hunt (15 mins): Create a “shape hunt” around the classroom where children find items that match the discussed shapes. For example, find a circular ball or a rectangular book.

  • Body Tracing (30 mins):

    1. Lay out large paper on the floor and assist children in lying down while tracing around their bodies.
    2. After tracing, ask them to color in their bodies and label different parts with names and shapes.
  • Shape Match-up Game (20 mins):
    1. Using shape cutouts, ask children to match the shapes to corresponding body parts on the poster or their tracings.
    2. Group them into pairs to create a fun shape collage representing their bodies or making a character.
  • Size Comparison (15 mins): Provide rulers and measuring tape for learners to compare different shapes and their body sizes, discussing which is bigger or smaller.

9. End Activities (10% of time):

  • Reflection Circle (5 mins): Return to the circle and have children share what they learned about shapes and sizes. Prompt questions like “What shape is your head?” or “Can you find something that is a rectangle?” to elicit responses.

  • Closure (5 mins): Sing a short song about shapes and sizes, incorporating movements to help memorize the shapes identified in the lesson.

10. Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

  • Observe learners during the shape hunt and body tracing activities to check for understanding of shape identification.
  • Use guiding questions such as “Can you show me a circle on your body?” and take note of responses.
  • Utilize the shape match-up game as an informal assessment tool to evaluate comprehension.

11. Differentiation Strategies:

  • For learners who may struggle, provide one-on-one support during activities using visual aids and demonstrations.
  • For advanced learners, offer more complex shapes or have them create artwork explaining shape features in greater detail.

12. Teaching Notes:

  • Emphasize the connection between shapes and the human body to make the lesson relatable and engaging.
  • Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation and build confidence in reluctant students.
  • Incorporate a variety of movement-based activities to cater to different learning styles, particularly kinesthetic learners.

Overall Enhancement:

This lesson plan effectively aligns with the CAPS curriculum objectives, promoting an interactive, experiential approach to learning basic mathematical concepts related to shapes and body awareness. The incorporation of movement and reflection fosters a social constructivist framework that supports diverse learning needs.

Ensure the classroom environment is safe for all activities, particularly during the body tracing and shape hunt. Also, consider potential adaptations to accommodate learners with physical disabilities by using alternative tracing methods or providing larger cutouts for easier handling.

Teaching Tip: Engage learners through storytelling by relating a personal or culturally relevant narrative about shapes, which could deepen their interest and understanding of the topic.

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