After state testing, it can be challenging as a math teacher to keep the rigor and enthusiasm for academic math learning happening in your classroom. I find that teaching the geometry standards to be a great boost to get me to the finish line of the year. In the middle school geometry standards students are expected to be constructing and investigating shapes so it's a very hands on series of standards for students. Here are some of my recommendations to keep the learning alive and well!
1. Provide measurement tools
Sometimes teachers get nervous about giving students compasses, protractors, or rulers in the event students misuse or don't understand how to use them. A professional development leader once said something along the lines of "every time we take away a learning experience because of a fear kids won't meet our expectations, we have ensured students will never meet our expectations". I consider this every time I feel hesitate to try something new. I think it's better to be very clear about the uses and consequences for misuse up front with students and give students the opportunity to explore. The majority of students will love being able to use tools to help them make meaning. It's also another great moment to revisit fraction operations on a ruler!
2. Bring out the colors
Allow kids to use color to help them visualize and discuss elements of their geometric models. This keeps students creative and proud of the work they are generating. The work produced here is great to display in the room or along the walls to keep the classroom feeling fresh.
3. Use Manipulatives
Dust off those 3D shapes, net cutouts, and Angle Legs and get kids using them to visualize and explain their mathematics. Students love working with a new manipulatives and it's a fun way to reengage students who may be checking out.
Click this link to access Angle Legs Manipulatives
