Young Children's Developing Understanding of Geometric Shapes

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

How can we improve geometry instruction at the preschool and primary levels? To answer that question, I conducted research to analyze young children's understanding of the geometric concepts of triangle and rectangle and to determine patterns in the development of this understanding from ages 3 through 6. The research suggests that early childhood educators need to rethink the way that basic shapes are introduced to young children. Since a basic understanding of shapes is essential to a future study of geometry, teachers need to focus on how best to help children develop that initial understanding of shape categories. After a brief explanation of the research, specific ways to present developmentally appropriate activities designed to enhance children's understanding of basic shapes are discussed.