Geometric Stick Box and Classified Geometry Nomenclature Cards -

Dr. Montessori believed in introducing Geometry to preschool-aged children. Her way to achieve this was by using children’s senses as a vehicle for learning. In the primary level, children explore geometry through the manipulation of sensorial materials which include the Geometric Solids, the Geometric Cabinet, the Constructive Triangles, and the Blue Constructive Triangles. Concepts are mostly introduced through surveying, naming, and sorting. The language will subsequently be introduced as children are sensorially familiarized with the materials.

At the elementary level, children are guided through increasingly complex geometry concepts that aim to introduce parts and relationships of geometric figures. The curriculum begins with reviews and the introductions to simple concepts such as observing how a series of points form a line, how a series of lines form a plane, and how a series of planes form a solid. Following this, children explore different types of lines, angles, closed figures, triangles, quadrilaterals, other polygons, and circles. Using these materials, children can visualize geometric concepts as well as work with our Classified Geometry Nomenclature Cards and activity sheets.

Materials

Geometric Stick Box (Value Line) or Geometry Stick Box (Premium Quality)
Classified Geometry Nomenclature Cards (Three Part Cards, Activity Sheets, Geometric Cabinet Nomenclature Cards 6-9, and Geometric Solids Nomenclature Cards 6-9)
Geometry Nomenclature Booklets
36 Compartment Card Holder

Optional: Geometry Manuals (Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3)

How to Use the Materials Geometric Stick Box

Prior to introducing the elementary Geometry curriculum, children should be assessed on their prior knowledge. It would be beneficial to provide remedial lessons to children who did not get enough experience in their primary years. Remedial lessons would include revisiting the Geometric Solids, the Geometric Cabinet, and the Constructive Triangles.

Following a Montessori curriculum, Montessori guides conduct a demonstration of the concepts by using the Geometric Sticks on a large cork board which is included in the set. For instance, to demonstrate different types of angles (acute, right, obtuse, straight, and complete), the adult pin the extremity of a stick in the middle of a sheet of paper, on the cork board, and slowly create a circle that will show the progression of an angle from acute to complete. Children witness that angles are defined based on their amplitudes (less/more than 90 degrees, 90/180/360 degrees.) Children can use the materials to create their own graphics and record their learning in their geometry notebook.

The Geometry language is delivered through the Classified Geometry Nomenclature Cards. The nomenclature cards consist of picture cards, label cards, description cards, and control cards. Children are invited to read and sort the cards. The Geometry Nomenclature Booklets serve as a control for the nomenclature cards and provide specific vocabulary that will be continuously encountered through the materials. Our Geometry Nomenclature Booklets consist of 35 softly colored booklets, which are meant to appeal to children. We have added reproducible activity sheets with answer keys as extension work. Our Classified Geometry Nomenclature Cards and Geometry Nomenclature Booklets can be stored in three of our 36 Compartment Card Holders. As the guide presents the lesson, children continue working with the acquired knowledge by simply using the Geometry Stick Material and Cork Board along with the nomenclature cards and booklets. They are encouraged to create their own booklets and copy the descriptions.