Shape and

Space
Cathryn Etchells
(22216264)
What is geometry?
• The study in mathematics which focuses on
identifying the patterns between shapes regarding
their properties (size, colour and position) and their
relationships.

• Shapes can be drawn from points which when joined

together
•The learner will be able to describe and represent characteristics and relationships between
two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects in a variety of orientations and
positions.

•Learning Outcome focus

•The study of space and shape improves understanding and appreciation of the pattern,
precision, achievement and beauty in natural and cultural forms. It focuses on the properties,
relationships, orientations, positions and transformations of two-dimensional shapes and three-
dimensional objects.
•The study of space and shape enables the learner to:
develop the ability to visualise, interpret, calculate relevant values, reason and justify; and

•interpret, understand, classify, appreciate and describe the world through two-dimensional
shapes and three-dimensional objects, their location, movement and relationships.

•The learner should gain these skills from experiences with concrete objects, through drawing
and construction, and in the abstract justification of spatial relationships.
It is important that the study of two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional
objects be contextualised to include the study of natural and cultural forms and
artefacts.
•Contexts should be selected in which the learner can study space and shape in a way
that can be used to build awareness of other Learning Areas, as well as human
rights, social, economic, cultural, political and environmental issues. For example,
the learner should be able to:
use national flags to demonstrate transformations and symmetry in designs;

•investigate and recognise the geometrical properties and patterns existing in

traditional and modern architecture;

•use maps in Geography as specific forms of grids; and

•investigate geometric patterns in art.
Foundation Phase focus
The study of space and shape in the Foundation Phase is very practical and hands-on.
The learner begins by recognising and describing objects and shapes in the
environment that resemble mathematical objects and shapes. The learner should handle
these objects and shapes, cut out and draw sketches, and describe them with
appropriate and expanding vocabulary.
The learner should be given opportunities to follow and give directions as well as
to describe his or her own position and the positions of objects in space using
appropriate vocabulary.
Learning progression (CAPS)
Topics Grade R
Language of position
Describe the position of one object in
relation to another e.g. on top of, in
front of, behind, left, right, up, down,
next to
3.1
Position, orientation and views
Position and directions
• Follow directions to move around
the classroom
Grade 1
Language of position
Describe the position of one object in
relation to another e.g. on top of, in
front of, behind, left, right, up, down,
next to.
Position and views
Recognise and match different views of
the same everyday object
Position and directions
• Follow directions to move around
the classroom
• Follow instructions to place one
object in relation to another, e.g. put
the pencil behind the box
Grade 2
Language of position
Describe the position of one object in
relation to another e.g. on top of, in
front of, behind, left, right, up, down,
next to.
Position and views
Recognise and match different views of
the same everyday object
Position and directions
• Follow directions to move around
the classroom
Grade 3
Position and views
• Recognise and match different views
of the same everyday object
• Name an everyday object when shown
an unusual view of it
• Read, interpret and draw informal
maps, or top views of a collection of
objects
• Find objects on maps
Position and directions
• Follow directions to move around the
classroom and school
• Give directions to move around the
classroom and school
• Follow directions from one place to
another on an informal map
Learning progression (CAPS) continued…

Topics Grade R Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3

Range of objects Range of objects Range of objects Range of objects

Recognise and name 3-D objects in the Recognise and name 3-D objects in the Recognise and name 3-D objects in the Recognise and name 3-D objects in the
classroom classroom and in pictures classroom and in pictures classroom and in pictures
• Ball shapes • Ball shapes (spheres) • Ball shapes (spheres) • Ball shapes (spheres)
• Box shapes • Box shapes (prisms) • Box shapes (prisms) • Box shapes (prisms)
• Cylinders • Cylinders
• Pyramids
• cones
Feature of objects Feature of objects Feature of objects Feature of objects
Describe, sort and compare 3-D objects Describe, sort and compare 3-D objects Describe, sort and compare 3-D objects Describe, sort and compare 3-D objects
in terms of: in terms of: in terms of: in terms of:
• Size • Size • Size • 2-D shapes that make up the faces of
3.2 • Colour • Colour 3-D objects
3-D objects • Objects that roll • Objects that roll • Objects that roll • Flat or curved surfaces
• Objects that slide • Objects that slide • Objects that slide
Focused activities Focused activities Focused activities Focused activities
• Use 3-D objects such as building • Observe and build given 3-D objects • Observe and build given 3-D objects • Observe and build given 3-D objects
blocks, recycling material etc, to using concrete materials such as using concrete materials such as cut- using concrete materials such as cut-
construct composite objects e.g. building blocks, recycling material, out 2-D shapes, building blocks, out 2-D shapes, clay, toothpicks,
towers, bridges etc construction kits recycling material, construction kits, straws, other 3-D geometric objects
other 3-D geometric objects
Learning progression (CAPS) continued…

Topics Grade R Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3

Recognise, identifies and Range of shapes Range of shapes Range of shapes
names two-dimensional shapes
in the classroom and in Recognise and name 2-D shapes Recognise and name 2-D shapes Recognise and name 2-D shapes
pictures, including: • Circles • Circles • Circles
• Triangles • Triangles • Triangles
• Learners Symbols • Squares • Squares • Squares
• Class name • Rectangles • Rectangles
Feature of shapes Feature of shapes Feature of shapes
3.3 Describe, sort and compare 2-D shapes Describe, sort and compare 2-D shapes Describe, sort and compare 2-D shapes in terms of:
2-D objects in terms of: in terms of:
• Size • Size
• Colour • Shape
• Shape • Straight lines
• Straight lines • Straight lines • Round sides
• Round sides • Round sides
Draw shapes
• Circles
• Triangles
• Squares
• Rectangles
Symmetry Symmetry Symmetry Symmetry
3.4 • Recognise symmetry in own • Recognise symmetry in own body
Symmetry body • Recognise and draw line of symmetry • Recognise and draw line of symmetry • Recognise and draw line of symmetry in 2-D
in 2-D geometrical and non- in 2-D geometrical and non- geometrical and non-geometrical shapes
geometrical shapes geometrical shapes • Determine line of symmetry through paper folding
and reflection
Geometry in real life
Geometry in real life
Geometry in real life
Teaching geometry in South Africa

Pros:
Teaching geometry in South Africa

Cons:
• Lack of funding for purchasing tangible resources and hands on items
for learners.
• Teachers and students operate and communicate at different levels.
• https://argoprep.com/math/1st-grade/shapes/identifying-shapes/
References