Foundations of Mathematical Thinking · Senior Infants

Active learning ideas

Properties of Quadrilaterals

Active learning helps young children understand abstract geometric properties by making them tangible. When children touch, move, and compare shapes, they build mental models that last longer than passive observation. This topic benefits from hands-on exploration because quadrilaterals exist all around us in books, tiles, and windows, turning classroom objects into meaningful learning tools.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA: Junior Cycle - Geometry and Trigonometry - GT.3

• 25–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Experiential Learning
• 30 min · Small Groups

Sorting Trays: Quadrilateral Match-Up

Provide trays with quadrilateral cards and labels for properties like 'four equal sides' or 'one pair parallel.' Children sort shapes into trays, justify choices to partners, and swap trays to verify. Conclude with a class share-out.

Can you find something in the classroom shaped like a cube?

Facilitation Tip

For Sorting Trays, place one quadrilateral example in each tray to anchor the sorting rules and reduce confusion.

What to look for

Provide students with cut-out shapes of different quadrilaterals. Ask them to sort the shapes into labeled groups (e.g., 'Squares,' 'Rectangles'). Then, ask them to pick one shape and tell you one thing that makes it special.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 02

• Experiential Learning
• 25 min · Pairs

Classroom Safari: Shape Hunt

Distribute clipboards with quadrilateral checklists. Pairs search the room for examples, sketch them, and note one property each. Regroup to tally findings and discuss real-world matches.

Which 3D shape rolls , the cube or the sphere?

Facilitation Tip

During the Classroom Safari, carry a small reference card with labeled shapes to support children who need visual reminders.

What to look for

Hold up attribute blocks or drawings of quadrilaterals. Ask students to give a thumbs up if the shape has parallel sides, or point to a corner if it has a right angle. This checks for immediate recognition of key properties.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Experiential Learning
• 35 min · Pairs

Stick Builders: Property Frames

Give children craft sticks and tape to construct each quadrilateral type following property cards. They test sides for equality and angles with corner squares, then label their models.

How is a cylinder different from a cone?

Facilitation Tip

When using Stick Builders, provide pre-cut straws in two lengths so students focus on angles rather than measuring.

What to look for

Present students with two different quadrilaterals, for example, a square and a rhombus that is not a square. Ask: 'How are these shapes the same? How are they different?' Listen for their use of vocabulary related to sides and angles.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 04

• Experiential Learning
• 40 min · Small Groups

Pattern Block Puzzle: Quadrilateral Sorts

Use pattern blocks on mats divided by shape types. Children fill mats by matching blocks to outlines, explain properties verbally, and create composite shapes from sorted blocks.

Can you find something in the classroom shaped like a cube?

Facilitation Tip

For Pattern Block Puzzle, set a timer to encourage quick decision-making and reduce overhandling of shapes.

What to look for

Provide students with cut-out shapes of different quadrilaterals. Ask them to sort the shapes into labeled groups (e.g., 'Squares,' 'Rectangles'). Then, ask them to pick one shape and tell you one thing that makes it special.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with real objects to connect geometry to everyday life, then move to abstract shapes as children build confidence. Avoid rushing into formal definitions before children have explored properties through touch and movement. Research shows that young learners benefit from repeated exposure to the same shapes in different contexts, so revisit these activities over time to reinforce understanding.

By the end of these activities, students will confidently name and describe quadrilaterals using key features such as equal sides, parallel sides, and right angles. They should sort shapes correctly and use simple vocabulary to explain why a shape belongs in a group. Look for children who point to specific sides or angles when justifying their choices.

---

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Sorting Trays, watch for children grouping all quadrilaterals together because they notice four sides but ignore angle differences. Redirect by asking, 'Does this shape have square corners? Show me with your angle checker.'

  Place a square and a rhombus side by side in the trays and ask children to compare the corners using a folded paper right-angle checker.

• During Sorting Trays, watch for children separating squares from rectangles because they believe 'square' is a different category. Redirect by asking, 'Can you find a rectangle that has all sides the same length?' and have them test it with their angle checker.

  Provide a set of rectangles cut from colored paper and ask children to place squares on top of rectangles that match their side lengths.

• During Stick Builders, watch for children assuming trapezoids have no parallel sides because they focus only on the 'zigzag' shape. Redirect by asking, 'Can you point to the two sides that never meet, no matter how far you extend them?'

  Give students two parallel straws and two non-parallel straws to build a trapezoid, then have them verify with a ruler that one pair remains equidistant.

---

Methods used in this brief

• Experiential Learning