Puzzling over what geometry instructional activity to teach next? Look no further. This simple activity teaches young mathematicians how shapes can be decomposed into smaller figures, and how smaller figures can be assembled into larger shapes. To learn this concept, children cut a square piece of construction paper into four pieces and take turns putting together each other's puzzles. This is a great instructional activity to include in a primary grade geometry unit, engaging students in using their creativity to deepen their understanding of shapes.

Concepts

shapes

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Additional Tags

puzzle, decomposing shapes, composing shapes, describing shapes, attributes of shapes, math

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Pros

• Lesson includes multiple examples of puzzles children may create
• Activity requires minimal teacher preparation

Cons

• Supplemental instruction is required to support children with using academic language to describe shapes

Common Core

1.G.A.2 MP6 MP7