I teach 1st & 2nd grade math. It's always interesting when we study geometry because there are kids who have great number sense, but struggle with geometry. This isn't a red flag to me unless I see other signs.
I've had a few kids with visual-spatial disabilities. My experience is VERY limited, but here's what I noticed with them:
- None had poor handwriting. Handwriting ranged from average to excellent.
- Pattern block puzzles were very difficult for them.
- They struggled with shape patterns (2D), but not color patterns. Patterns with the same shape (e.g., a triangle rotated different ways), seemed to be more difficult.
- Cutting projects were really difficult. (For example, making a snowman out of construction paper - cutting out circles for the body, a hat, stick arms, etc.)
- Symmetry can be tricky. They had a difficult time drawing the other half of a symmetrical figure. It's a difficult thing to do, but they seemed to struggle more than average.
Again, my experience is really limited with these sorts of issues, but I can say a discrepancy between ability with number concepts and ability with geometric concepts is normal.
Last edited by KathrynH; 01/24/14 05:04 PM.
