We have recently been introducing some basic Geometry ideas and both of mine have kept asking for more and more angle activities – we have done a few activities were we identified the different type of angles, compared the sizes and determined which was greater or less than and we started measuring a few angles. My youngest who is determined to do all the angle activities did find measuring the angles a little bit tricky so I thought it might be good to practice it.
To start with I used some coloured Washi tape to create angles on a large piece of paper (the Washi Tape just adds a bit of colour and fun to the activity).
Then both kids practiced measuring the different angles created by the Washi Tape.
I must admit my oldest was very accurate with her angles – she measured everything and would not just classify an angle as a right angle unless it was exactly 90 degrees – I managed to create quite a few 89 and 91 degree angles (woops). My youngest was not as accurate (he is 2.5 years younger), but I was not fussed. I really wanted him to understand how he needs to use the protractor and not get confused by the two-rows of numbers.
After they had finished their page they both asked for more but this time we used our Learning Resources Primary Shapes Template Set. I bought our set of shape stencils about 5 years ago and we have used it over and over again. I originally bought them as my daughter’s Occupational Therapist recommended that we use stencils as a way of getting her to engage both hands at the same time.
Anyway the kids draw some shapes, making sure that some overlapped (and we also added a few straight lines intersecting the shapes).
Once they were happy we started measuring. I must add that with some of the shapes that my son drew we did have to extend the lines so he could measure the angles successfully. But I actually liked this. They learnt a simple trick, if you are trying to measure an angle but the lines are too short it is not an issue just extend them.
I love Maths sessions like this. Both kids relaxed, enjoying the activity and getting involved creating the angles and then measuring them.
The Washi Tape that we used was just some from my craft cupboard – I cannot remember where I bought it from (could have been a Tiger Store in the UK or Amazon, really not sure, it is one of those items that I just like to have in the craft cupboard for us to use whenever we want).
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The colourful tape does add a bit of fun to the activity. Measuring the angles of things in the environment would also be fun – especially checking to see how close those corners are to 90 degrees. 🙂
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