4Real Forums: Geometry Cabinet

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Nurturing the Years of Wonder ( Forum Locked)
4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder

Topic: Geometry Cabinet

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SeaStar
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Posted: Dec 03 2007 at 8:41pm \| IP Logged

Who has made one? I know it's supposed to be fairly easy, and I've looked over the directions posted on line. But if you've made one- were you happy with it? Or was it one of those things that turned out so-so or took much longer than anticipated? Could a tired mom whip one out at the end of a long day?

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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)

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Mackfam
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Posted: Dec 04 2007 at 7:36am \| IP Logged

Melinda,
I did not purchase or make one - instead I downloaded Lori's Geometry Nomenclature Cards. I spent my $$ on a set of geometric solids, and we just use the 3 part cards for identification and some other applications.

I had heard that though you can make your own, it isn't a great idea because most of the presentations involve tracing the inset. The inset needs to be perfectly smooth and rounded on the edges which is hard to accomplish home-made. I do remember some moms who made them and were fairly pleased and others who advised against it saying it would be frustrating to the child if your work wasn't smooth. I know this tired mom couldn't whip one out in an evening...or a weekend for that matter.

If you're just looking to teach basic geometry shapes, consider the nomenclature cards from Lori or at some of these other downloadable sites. If you're looking for some fine motor development in tracing insets, you might consider the metal insets instead. I bought a set and have been soooooo pleased that I did. Handwriting has improved, and there is some geometry identification of the inset shapes.

I think Meredith and Theresa bought the Geometry cabinets, they would probably be able to offer much more in the way of its usefulness.

HTH a little Melinda.

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montessori_lori
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Posted: Dec 04 2007 at 4:26pm \| IP Logged

I tried to make one a few years ago. I purchased some PDFs on eBay (I know Suzanne at Livable Learning has something similar, but this was before I knew about her). I printed, laminated, glued onto cardboard. That didn't work.

Then I traced onto stiffened felt (you can buy this at the craft store) and used pony beads and brads to make little "handles" in the middle of the shapes. That worked better, but still left something to be desired.

I like my nomenclature cards too, for learning the names, but for tracing, etc. I think you need the wooden shapes. I should be getting a Geo Cabinet from Alison's any day now - from their higher-quality line. I am very excited!

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SeaStar
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Posted: Dec 04 2007 at 7:03pm \| IP Logged

Thanks for the thoughts. I do have the metal insets, and so I could use the cards and get a set of solids... hadn't even thought of that. It would work.

I do so long to have the real thing, though. I just placed a large order from Alison's for math stuff, so I feel kind of guilty for even thinking of making another large purchase. However, I keep reminding myself that my friend is paying $400 a month for her ds's preschool, so what I have spent total in the past year is peanuts compared to that.

Thanks, Lori, for your honesty about the DIY version. It just seems like some things I can readily make/fake, and then there are others that are terribly hard to duplicate, especially at the end of a long day...

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happymama
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Posted: Dec 05 2007 at 2:09pm \| IP Logged

I also long for the real thing, but won't pay for it now. I bought the geometric cabinet 3-part-cards pdf from Alison's, printed & laminated 2 copies.

I also glued some to foamboard & cut them out & glued beads on them.

We've already worked with the solids for a long time & though my sons would benefit from the real thing, I think my oldest has learned a lot of geometry already for his age, kwim?

blessings on all your decisions!

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