Different Geometric Terms That Children Should Learn

When children learn about geometry, they are learning about the world and space around them. Our surroundings are made up of an exciting array of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Given that children are able to perceive the differences in shapes from an early age, it will be helpful for parents to provide them with apt vocabulary so they can articulate what they see around them. 

Geometry is essentially the study of shapes and their properties. It can be divided into plane geometry, which refers to two-dimensional shapes like circles, squares and triangles, and solid geometry, which refers to three-dimensional shapes like spheres, cylinders and cubes. Teaching geometric terms to children will provide them with an understanding of spatial relationships. It is believed that with a strong sense of spatial awareness, children will likely have an edge over their peers when it comes to higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills later on in their lives. 

As such, in order to develop these critical thinking skills, every parent should expose their children to geometry from a young age. If you are a parent, here are the different geometric terms you can teach your child:

Attributes and Spatial Properties 

• Angle: An angle is formed when two lines meet to form a corner. 
• Congruent: This means that objects are of identical shape and size. 
• Edge: Where two faces meet on a three-dimensional shape. 
• Face: The surface planes of shapes. 
• Equilateral: This means that the sides are of the same length. 
• Parallels: Two or more lines that do not meet because they are always the same distance apart. There are two sets of parallel lines in a parallelogram. 
• Plane: A flat two-dimensional surface where objects can lie. 
• Point: A particular position found on a line or plane. 
• Sides: Line segments found in figures that make up the object’s exterior. 
• Straight: Lacking a curve. 
• Wavy: Undulating or curvy. 

Two-Dimensional Figures 

• Circle: A curved line that forms a two-dimensional shape. All points on the curved line are of equal distance from the center. 
• Triangle: A figure with three sides. 
• Rectangle: A figure with four-sides and four right angles. 
• Rhombus: A figure with four-sides and the opposite sides are parallel. A square is a special rhombus. A rhombus is also sometimes known as a diamond. 
• Square: A rectangle that has sides of equal length and parallel opposite sides. 
• Pentagon: A figure with five sides. 
• Hexagon: A figure with six sides. 

Three-Dimensional Figures

• Cube: A figure with the same equilateral squares found on each face.
• Sphere: Round figure where all points on the surface are the same distance from the center. 
• Cone: A hollow or solid object that has a circular base point and converges to a point at the top. 
• Pyramid: A three-dimensional figure with triangular faces that meet at a point at the top. 
• Prism: A three-dimensional figure that has identical shapes at the ends. They are named after the shape found at the ends. For example, triangular prisms are so named because their ends are in the shape of triangles.

Learn Geometry at JEI Learning Center

At JEI Learning Center, we believe that every child has unlimited potential to learn. By combining the best educational environment with your child’s natural abilities, our instructors aim to unlock your child’s problem-solving skills and creativity. The JEI Math curriculum covers all major domains, and geometry is one of them. To learn more about our JEI Math program, contact us today.