Rectangular Box 2

Age
3-5 years

Materials

 * Eight blue triangles with no black lines.
 * Two isosceles right triangles.
 * Two scalene right triangles.
 * Two equilateral triangles.
 * One scalene right triangle and one obtuse triangle.

Preparation
This is an individual exercise, which may be done on a neutral colored rug. (Note: Work cycle to be observed).

Presentation

 * 1) Invite the child to work with the 'rectangular box'.
 * 2) Show the child where the rectangular box is located on the shelf.
 * 3) When the child has made the selection of the material, begin with the third step after naming the material for the child.
 * 4) Indicate the procedure for carrying the material: one hand on each side of the rectangular box with the thumbs on the top and fingers on the bottom.
 * 5) Place the box in the upeer left side of the rug.
 * 6) Remove the lid and place it to the right of the box.
 * Say, "I will make shapes from the triangles."
 * 1) Remove the two isosceles right triangles one at a time, and place them in a straight line below the lid.
 * 2) Slide them against each other, forming a square.
 * 3) Again, slide them together to form a rhomboid.
 * 4) Slide them together, to form a different rhomboid.
 * 5) Select the two scalene right triangles one at a time.
 * 6) Slide them against eachother, forming a rectangle.
 * 7) Again, slide them together to form a rhomboid.
 * 8) Slide them together to form a different rhomboid.
 * 9) Select the two equilateral triangles one at a time.
 * 10) Slide them against eachother, to form a rhombus.
 * 11) Select the one scalene right triangle and the one scalene obtuse triangle one at a time.
 * 12) Slide them together, to form a trapezoid.
 * 13) Replace the material into the box beginning with the trapezoid on thr right.
 * 14) Return the material to the shelf in the manner described in #3.

Control Of Error
Visual disharmony.

Points Of Interest
Superimposing the blue triangles on the various other triangles. Mixing and pairing the triangles.

Purpose

 * To show the quadrilateral figures formed by various triangles.
 * Refinement of perception.
 * Development of concentration, order, coordination, and independence.
 * Responds to the sensitive need of order in the child.
 * Preparation for geometry.
 * Development of appreciation of line and form.
 * Development of creativity.

Variation

 * 1) Remove all triangles from the box and freely explore the possible relationships between triangles.
 * 2) Combination of rectangular box 1 with the blue triangles from rectangular box 2 for matching equal quadrilateral figures created. Superimpose the figures.
 * 3) When the child has exhausted the possible geometric figures, 'flip' one of the triangles with a figure and create a new geometric figure.
 * 4) Trace the triangles on construction paper and cut out. Paste the variations on paper and make a booklet.
 * 5) Trace the triangles on construction paper and cut out. Paste the variations on poster board for charts.