For example, a cube has 6 faces. Children learn to visualize how the shapes of the net will fold together to form the faces of the 3-D figure. This generally requires a lot of exploration, for which we use tools like paper and polydrons. Polydrons are pieces of molded plastic that snap together to form 3-D shapes. We have included some in our mathematics backpacks.
Children learn to form more than one net of the same shape.
This requires many opportunities to draw nets and to use paper or polydrons to construct 3-D figures. Although children typically begin with fairly simple shapes, some eventually progress to modeling more complex shapes with nets, like houses or other buildings. Please use the back to write on if there is not enough room on the front. Line up your collection of solids and have your child describe which of them are most alike and why. Ask your child to describe the number of faces and the shape of each face for each container.