What makes these geometry lessons interesting is that the programme goes a few steps further by asking the student to do one or more of the following:
1) identify the different shapes that are "hidden" in the main constructed shape;
2) cut and fold it into another shape; and
3) cut the main shape into smaller shapes to create other shapes.
Once every few weeks we take a day out of our regular math lessons to practise a related concept using another source of maths. This is to get Tiger used to applying the maths concepts he has learned from our regular lessons to other types of maths problems. The latest maths games we have played with are:
1) Hidden Polygons - an introduction to the different properties of polygons
2) Butterfly - a game that is similar to the Chinese Checkers
3) Lines of Symmetry - where some shapes can be a little tricky to think of how many symmetrical lines are possible.
Besides doing regular maths at home, we also participate in external lectures and masterclasses whenever they become available. One of these has been an investigative class on Platonic Solids.
With the notes generously provided by the institution, one can easily teach the concept at home. However, we have found much benefit in attending the class with other (older) homeschooled children in terms of:
1) learning how to work effectively as a team with other children;
2) making friends and contacts for future projects;
3) sharing resources and ideas;
4) learning from the strengths of other children and parents.
Although we tend to do most of our learning by ourselves at home, we are always keen to embrace opportunities to work with and learn from other homeschoolers. It has been especially beneficial for Tiger to realise that other children can be just as quick as, if not quicker than, he is in mathematics. It is not easy to learn about humility in isolation.
This post is linked up to several blog hops, where you can see what other homeschoolers have been busy with. It is also linked to the Math Teachers at Play blog carnival #50.
