Third grade geometry isn’t sophisticated, but it is based on important sophisticated geometric concepts. Understanding the basic geometric components can help teachers and parents alike support students in the developments of their geometric reasoning.
MA.3.GR.1.1 – Describe and draw points, lines, line segments, rays, intersecting lines, perpendicular lines, and parallel lines. Identify these in two-dimensional figures.
Geometric Components
Points
The smallest geometric component is the point. Points are tiny locations in space, represented by small dots. Children begin to understand the concept of a point by working with labeled dots in a concrete way. That understanding develops over time into the ability to imagine a point at the intersection where lines cross, or at angles formed in shapes when line segments meet.
Lines
Lines are the building blocks of polygons. Geometric shapes students work with in 3rd grade are composed of line segments, a section of a longer line with points at each end where the line segment ends. Lines are represented with line sections that have arrows at each end. Theoretically, they continue in each direction forever.
A ray is a combination of a line and a line segment. Rays have a point on one end, where it ends, and the other end has an arrow that extends forever in one direction. Rays are important for understanding angles in 4th grade.
Line Relationships
Lines, line segments, and rays can interact in ways that form the attributes of 2-dimensional shapes. Angles or corners are formed whenever two lines intersect or meet. Square corners or angles are formed when perpendicular lines intersect.
Parallel lines are the opposite of intersecting lines. Parallel lines are lines that are equidistant from each other. By definition, parallel lines will never intersect. Of course, two sets of parallel lines can also be perpendicular to each other, which would form a square or a rectangle.
Standards
Adults working with children to develop their geometric reasoning can help by having an understanding of the concepts and vocabulary themselves. The Florida’s BEST standards address this topic in 3rd grade. Common Core and Texas Essential Knowledge Standards cover these geometric components in 4th grade. Wherever you live, an understanding of geometric components can help you support your students’ development of grade-level geometric understanding.
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