Geometry and Spatial Sense, Grades 4 to 6 - EduGains

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Addressing the needs of Junior Learners
Every day, teachers make many decisions about instruction in their classrooms. To make
informed decisions about teaching mathematics, teachers need to have an understanding of
the big ideas in mathematics, the mathematical concepts and skills outlined in the curriculum
document, effective instructional approaches, and the characteristics and needs of learners.
The following chart outlines general characteristics of junior learners, and describes some of the
implications of these characteristics for teaching mathematics to students in Grades 4, 5, and 6.
Area of
Development
Intellectual
development
Physical
development
Characteristics of Junior Learners and Implications for Instruction
Characteristics of Junior Learners Implications for Teaching Mathematics
Generally, students in the junior grades:
• prefer active learning experiences that
allow them to interact with their peers;
• are curious about the world around
them;
• are at a concrete, operational stage of
development, and are often not ready
to think abstractly;
• enjoy and understand the subtleties of
humour.
Generally, students in the junior grades:
• experience a growth spurt before
puberty (usually at age 9–10 for girls, at
age 10–11 for boys);
• are concerned about body image;
• are active and energetic;
• display wide variations in physical
development and maturity.
Geometry and Spatial Sense, Grades 4 to 6
The mathematics program should provide:
• learning experiences that allow students
to actively explore and construct
mathematical ideas;
• learning situations that involve the use
of concrete materials;
• opportunities for students to see that
mathematics is practical and important
in their daily lives;
• enjoyable activities that stimulate
curiosity and interest;
• tasks that challenge students to
reason and think deeply about
mathematical ideas.
The mathematics program should provide:
• opportunities for physical movement
and hands-on learning;
• a classroom that is safe and physically
appealing.
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