MathBase5: Shape, Space and Measurement

MathBase5 comprises six programs concerned with shape, space and measurement. All six programs are related and represent a sequential development.

The first program concerns identifying matching shapes, the shapes can be simple or complex, little in number or many, of the same orientation or have been reflected or rotated, shown as pure plain shapes or constructed from squares. The aim of the program is to directly stimulate the pupil's visual perception. The program is highly differentiated and allows for sufficient repetition to help consolidate the experience. This program is ideally used for pupils in Reception or Year 1 but can be used by older pupils who may benefit from improved shape recognition. Each shape can also be expanded on to a 1cm grid.

The second program also aims at exercising and strengthening visual perception. Each shape on the left can be modified by moving a single square so that it matches a shape on the right. Again these shapes can be expanded as 1cm grid patterns. This program is best used at the earliest possible opportunity - its aim is to develop non-verbal reasoning at a deeper level. Pupils should be encouraged to play with programs 1 and 2 to help boost their visual intelligence. The effect of 'play' like this, though not immediately apparent, may be to contribute to longer term improved mathematical development.

Program 3 takes the shapes of the previous two programs and practises finding the areas and perimeters by counting.

Program 4 concentrates on the restriction of the above shapes to rectangles. Areas and perimeters can be found by counting but also by 'method', for example, an area might be represented by 2x3 or a perimeter by 2x2 + 2x3.

Program 5 introduces the half square. Pupils can first practise identifying and counting the whole squares in shapes, then identifying and counting the halve squares in shapes, then practise finding the total area of shapes. Similarly with perimeter, pupils can first identify and count the 1cm lengths on the perimeter, then identify and count the diagonal lengths (taken to be 1.4cm), and then find the total perimeter of the shape.

Program 6 introduces the right-angled triangle formed by cutting a rectangle in two. Pupils can practise finding the area and perimeter of these triangles.