What is geometry and why it matters for kids’ education

Kids might take geometry (knowledge about shapes, sizes, etc ) as a very boring subject in their curriculum. However, you would be surprised to know how learning geometry would help your kids in their real lives and enhance their skills. So, keep reading this blog, as we’ll discuss: what is geometry?

Also, we’ll discuss why it matters for your kids. Thus, you can adopt various fun and safe methods to make your kids learn about geometry.

What is geometry?

The word “geometry” is actually a combination of two Greek words: “geo,” which means “earth,” and “metron,” which means “measure.” So, you can say that it allows you to study the measurements of things present on Earth.

Everything around you, like the mobile phone or even the laptop you are currently using to read this blog, has its own shape. Right? Geometry essentially enables you to understand the shapes, sizes, and dimensions of things you encounter in your everyday life.

Keep in mind that this geometry concept is basically helpful to fuel many businesses. For instance, knowing about shapes and sizes, an architect may design beautiful homes for you. Similarly, the cars, airplanes, or bridges you see are also designed with the help of geometry.

Besides, even when discussing sports, it’s crucial to understand at what angle they have to hit or even throw the ball. You know that that’s also the geometry.

Branches of geometry:

Geometry is a broad concept in its own right. So, let’s dive deeper and understand its branches!

Euclidean geometry

Euclidean geometry is actually the starting point of geometry, where we learn about drawing lines, points, 2D planes, and even 3D shapes. You know all of these things kids mostly learn in their early school education.

For your information, this branch of geometry was actually named after the Greek mathematician Euclid. This is because he wrote a book named Elements, where he basically explains the rules of geometry ( lines, points, angles, planes, etc.). His work was so excellent that this branch got his own name in tribute to him.

Analytical geometry

Next, when discussing analytical geometry, the name suggests that we not only understand shapes but also analyze them using numbers and equations. Basically, here you draw a graph to understand shapes like lines or circles, etc.

Keep in mind that if you just draw a circle on your paper, then what can you say about it? Well! Yes, you can say it’s a shape; no other information is needed. However, if you draw the same shape you draw on the graph and mix it with algebra equations.

Then you get valuable information like the distance between any two points, the midpoint, and slopes, etc.  

Differential geometry

You might have heard about differential geometry for the first time. Well! This geometry helps you to understand the curves, surfaces, spaces, etc. Here, the point of note is that not all such shapes are straight, so you can’t study or measure them using a straight line.

Hence, this new type of geometry was developed to understand such curved or bent shapes.

Computational geometry

Last but not least, seeing the name of computational geometry, you might be thinking that it’s related to computers. Yes, you are right. This geometry actually works in computers, helping them to solve the problems related to shapes and sizes.

Let me explain this for better understanding. Well! When you use a Google map while driving a car, then basically this geometry is behind the scenes. It helps the computer to draw a map, thus aiding you in finding the destination you want to reach.

Why is geometry important for kids?

If you are a parent, then you need to understand that geometry isn’t just a mathematics-related subject for kids. However, it’s very helpful in your kids’ development, helping them to learn life essential skills. So, let’s dive deeper and understand what benefits your kids would get by learning geometry.

Enhances spatial reasoning: 

First of all, have you ever noticed that while playing wth puzzle blocks, your kids are thinking about how they would fit in. Well! The ability to understand things is spatial reasoning. And the important point here is that the shapes of the blocks are actually helping kids think at that level.

Do remember! Now they are solving puzzles and blocks; later on, this ability will smooth the way for a bright future career in engineering.

Improves problem-solving skills:

Moreover, geometry plays a crucial role in enhancing problem-solving skills, which are essential in our daily lives. This is because the more we exercise our brains to analyze and understand things, the closer we reach a proper solution.

Let’s take a very simple example: your kid has a dairy milk chocolate, which is made up of different blocks joined together. Now, your kid is thinking of breaking it evenly to share among friends equally. Thus, geometry comes in again, which helps with problem-solving. This thing would also help in the future to face life problems with confidence.

Encourages creativity:

Furthermore, geometry also helps kids to foster creativity among themselves. This is because different sketches or drawings essentially involve lines or shapes.

Thus, if kids are very familiar with shapes or lines, then they would definitely do wonders. For instance, they would create different and unique ideas related to textile design, among other things.

How do kids learn geometry?

Don’t stress about how your kids may learn geometry. There are different ways to make them understand this concept. Let’s discuss these methods one by one with real-life examples!

School curriculum:

You know geometry is a part of the kids’ mathematics subject. Even when your kids are in early grades, their teachers try to recognize them basic shapes ( circle, square, triangle, rectangle) and also what we call them.

Thus, when their base becomes strong. So, when they grow older and go to higher classes, they easily learn advanced things about geometry, like the measurement of lines, angles, plotting graphs, etc.

Hands-on learning:

Additionally, you can help them understand the basics of geometry at home by providing them with toys like building blocks and puzzles. All these come in different shapes, so kids recognize them, and also their spatial reasoning gets enhanced.

Moreover, they can also learn by drawing different shapes, cutting paper ( crafting ), and using 3D models. Thus, all such physical things make your kids’ learning both fun and they memorize things very easily.

Online learning resources:

Furthermore, as it’s the digital era, most kids use mobile phones for playing games, watching cartoons, etc. However, they could make the best use of their mobile phones, as there are many learning software available online that help kids learn maths-related topics, such as geometry.

Such apps actually provide math games, so kids would learn geometry without even taking it as a subject. Thus, it also eliminates the need for hiring a personal tutor to teach kids to learn. Thus, your kids would have more grip over it and thus apply it anywhere with confidence.

How to make geometry fun and safe for kids?

It’s a fact that most kids find geometry a boring subject. However, as mentioned earlier, it helps a lot to teach your kids various skills, such as problem-solving. So, if you are a parent, then be active, because surely you don’t want your kids to lag behind in the life race. Right?

So, button up! Here, I’m sharing some important tools and tricks that help make geometry fun and accessible for kids.

Try geometry scavenger hunts at home: 

We all know that home is the first place where kids start learning. So, yes, you have to start from home. For instance, you can play scavenger hunt games with your kids. For this, you can ask your kids to find anything round in the house, such as a round clock or similar items.

Thus, to make this game even interesting, you can start counting down! This way, kids learn about geometric shapes while having fun with you. Trust me! Such playful activities would help them retain information for longer.

Build with LEGO or try virtual 3D tools:

As mentioned in the previous section, learning by doing is the most effective way to memorize information. For instance, along with smart toys, incorporating LEGO blocks or puzzle games would be an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about geometry.

However, in the case of older kids, they can use online 3D model tools to try building realistic models, which enhances their geometry skills while they have fun.

Use safe math game apps: 

Moreover, you also have to use technology to boost your learning. There are numerous digital software programs available that enable children to learn math through engaging games. However, be cautious when choosing here. As not all apps are reliable, many apps may expose kids to inappropriate ads.

Thus, if you want to keep your kids safe while using the math game apps, then installing FlashGet Kids parental control app would be the best option owing to its real-time monitoring features. For instance,

• App blocker: Owing to this app, you can block inappropriate math game apps and also restrict your kids from accessing newly downloaded apps.
• Screen time: FlashGet Kids also allows you to set time limits on installed math game apps. Thus, if kids exceed the limit, you will get an alert.
• Screen mirroring: Also, you can see live what your kids are doing on their gadgets. For instance, you can monitor whether your kids are using learning apps or just watching cartoons or videos.

Benefits of combining geometry learning with parental control

In the previous section, I’ve suggested using parental control apps. So, you might wonder what the need is for using such apps. Although I have mentioned some reasons previously, here, we’ll discuss them in detail for better understanding.

Keeps kids focused: First of all, there is a possibility that while using learning apps, your kids may get distracted by other gaming apps on their mobile phones. Thus, using parental control apps, you can block gaming apps or even social media platforms for specific hours. Hence, helping kids to stay focused on their geometry learning.

Protects against unsafe material: Moreover, keep in mind that the Internet is full of both bad and good things. Therefore, none of the learning apps you may download would be safe at all. For instance, they would display inappropriate ads that affect their mental well-being.

Thus, with parental controls, you can filter out inappropriate apps, keeping your kids safe from exposure to unsuitable content.

Encourages healthy balance: Moreover, there is a possibility that your kids may find such apps interesting and may spend a lot of time on their screen gadgets. However, that’s alarming as it may affect kids’ physical and mental health, like eye or sleeping problems, etc.

Thus, parental controls enable you to maintain a balance by setting time limits on learning apps.

Peace of mind for parents: The best thing about combining parental controls with geometry learning apps is that it helps keep you updated about your kids’ activities. This gives you complete peace of mind regarding your kids’ digital safety.

Conclusion

Based on the above discussions, we have concluded that geometry learning is beneficial for your kids’ early development. This is because it helps kids develop problem-solving skills and encourages them to foster creativity. So, to make your kids learn geometry, you have to find fun ways, as in the form of gaming, so your kids might not feel bored.

Besides hands-on learning tools, there are many online math learning platforms available, helping kids learn in fun ways. However, to ensure kids’ safety on such digital platforms and to make them stay focused, it’s best to deploy parental control tools like FlashGet Kids. This app monitors kids’ activities by providing real-time alerts.