Fourth Grade Math
8) Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student identifies and describes attributes of geometric figures using formal geometric language. The student is expected to:
(A) identify and describe right, acute, and obtuse angles
URL to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2rJRDTfN0g
Summary: This video provides students with a song about the various types of angles. In the fourth grade, students are expected to identify acute, right, and obtuse angles as well as straight lines. This video gives a description of the angles as well as attributes of all angles. For example: an angle is two rays connecting at an endpoint.
Instructional Strategy: I would use this song at the beginning of a unit on angles. It would be a fun way to start off the new concept and who doesn’t love learning new topics through song? I would print each student a copy and we could learn the song together over the course of a few days. The song wouldn’t be the whole lesson though. I would also provide students with instruction as well as other assignments. After students have mastered the concept of identifying the various types of angles, I could take them on an angle walk around the classroom and school. As they look for the various types of angles, they could sing the song to help them remember which angle has what qualities. While the concept of learning to identify angles comes easy for many students, others may require more time to understand which is which. I think that this song is a fun way to help all students learn to identify angles better.
As nerdy as it sounds, I loved learning about angles when I was in school. Although I think my teachers did an awesome job of coming up with interesting ways to teach the subject, I must say this would have been a really nice addition to help me remember the angle names and their qualities. Music tends to have quite an effect on students and this song would not be an exception. It has a catchy tune and the words all flow together so it wouldn’t be difficult to learn it. Such a-cute song about angles! I think music should be incorporated into math more often. In math there tends to be a lot of memorization and I believe music would definitely make it easier and much more fun. I like that you would give each student a copy of the lyrics because it would serve as a nice reference when working independently. The angle scavenger hunt seems like something the students would enjoy because it gives them the opportunity to apply what they have learned and work with their peers. You could also have students bring an object from home which has a specific type of angle and have them share with the class. Maybe as a class you all could create your own song or rhyme about using a protractor to make/measure angles and tie it all together. Aside from the song, what other activities would you use to introduce the content?
I think you combined three great strategies: Visual, Song and Kinesthetic. I think the video is great because I personally learn more form watching something. Also, learning difficult topics through song is great because they begin by memorizing and end up actually learning it. Finally, going around the classroom would be a fun experience and would probably help them remember it for a long time.