Spatial Relationships

Children play with pattern blocks.

NAEYC

Areas of Development: Physical Development

2.C.03- Children are provided varied opportunities and materials that support fine motor development.

Fine motor skills are used and developed when children manipulate pattern blocks and carefully place them into a frame.

Curriculum Content Areas for Cognitive Development: Early Mathematics

2.F.06- Children are provided varied opportunities and materials to understand basic concepts of geometry by recognizing how figures are composed of different shapes. 

Pattern blocks provide an excellent opportunity for children to recognize how different shapes can be combined to create other shapes and designs. Children also begin to understand angles when playing with pattern blocks.

Designing Enriched Learning Environments

3.A.04- Ms. Schuhmacher selects materials...to stimulate exploration, experimentation, discovery and conceptual learning.

Pattern blocks encourage children to explore and experiment with different shapes and how those shapes can be used to create figures. Children also have opportunities to increase their understanding of spatial relationships.

 

IELS

8.3—Problem Solving

Children demonstrate strategies for reasoning and problem solving.

Children in Ms. Schuhmacher’s class show interest in and find a variety of solutions to…tasks, or problems. They also recognize and solve problems through active exploration, including trial and error…

Children playing with pattern blocks persist in finding shapes that will complete the frames they are using. They search for shapes they think will fit into a space and at times must use trial and error to find the correct one.

11.2—Patterns

Children understand patterns.

Children in Ms. Schuhmacher’s class show skills in recognizing and creating some patterns. 

The children playing with pattern blocks in Ms. Schuhmacher’s class demonstrate their recognition of patterns by correctly choosing shapes to fill in the pattern block frames. One boy chooses to use the blocks to create a hexagon without using a frame.

11.3—Shapes and Spatial Relationships

Children understand shapes and spatial relationships.

Children in Ms. Schuhmacher’s class notices how shapes fit together to form other shapes.

The boys using the pattern blocks and frames see how the pattern blocks fit together to complete the frames. Through spatial awareness and trial and error, the boys complete the frames. One boy’s spatial ability allows him to form a hexagon without using a frame.

 

IQPPS

Areas of Development: Physical Development

2.13- Children are provided varied opportunities and materials that support fine motor development.

Fine motor skills are used and developed when children manipulate pattern blocks and carefully place them into a frame.

Curriculum Content Areas for Cognitive Development: Early Mathematics

2.26- Children are provided varied opportunities and materials to understand basic concepts of geometry by recognizing how figures are composed of different shapes. 

Pattern blocks provide an excellent opportunity for children to recognize how different shapes can be combined to create other shapes and designs. Children also begin to understand angles when playing with pattern blocks.

Designing Enriched Learning Environments

3.1- Ms. Schuhmacher selects materials...to stimulate exploration, experimentation, discovery and conceptual learning.

Pattern blocks encourage children to explore and experiment with different shapes and how those shapes can be used to create figures. Children also have opportunities to increase their understanding of spatial relationships.

 

HSPS

1304.21(a)(4)(i) - Ms. Schuhmacher creates centers that support each child's learning using various strategies including experimentation, inquiry…play, and exploration.

Pattern blocks encourage children to explore and experiment with different shapes and how those shapes can be used to create figures. Children also have opportunities to increase their understanding of spatial relationships.

1304.21(a)(5)(ii) - Ms. Schumacher provides appropriate time, space, equipment, and materials…for the development of fine motor skills according to each child’s developmental level.

Fine motor skills are used and developed when children manipulate pattern blocks and carefully place them into a frame.

 

HSCOF

Mathematics

Geometry and Spatial Sense

  • Begins to recognize, describe, compare and name common shapes, their parts and attributes.
  • Progresses in ability to put together and take apart shapes.
  • Begins to be able to determine whether or not two shapes are the same size and shape.

Patterns and Measurement

  • Enhances abilities to recognize, duplicate and extend simple patterns using a variety of materials.