Shapes Figures Numbers offers numerous activities with matrices to stimulate different cognitive and executive functions. The games stimulate the ability to manage multiple sources of information and sort them into a matrix. They also train inhibitory processes, encouraging the focus of attention only on relevant data.

The proposed activities train and consolidate inferential thinking through the use of geometric shapes and figures declined in different orders of color and size, and tiles with numbers that allow the construction of matrices based on the double parameter of numerical sequences and figurative representations of quantity.

Find out more!

The games offered are divided into:

• Games with the matrices of geometric shapes
• Games with the matrices of shapes/objects
• Games with the matrices of numbers

Contents of the box

18 figures divided into SHAPES, COLORS and SIZES

3 shapes (house, apple, ice cream), each in 3 sizes

18 number cards, structured according to 3 types of representations (digits, dots, objects)

Teaching objectives

• Stimulate the ability to simultaneously manage two or more sources of information and order them in a matrix;
• Train and consolidate Inferential Thinking through the use of simple and well-known shapes;
• Train and consolidate inhibitory processes to focus attention on relevant data.

How to play

Inside the box, a series of activities are proposed, each with a specific cognitive objective. Two or more players can play, and the average time of each activity is approximately 10/15 minutes.

Example of activity: the simplified matrix

The game leader prepares 3 small piles with large geometric figures classified by shape. 

He/she then asks the child to build a simplified matrix according to two parameters: shape and color. 

The player chooses which figure to start with, according to the shape parameter, and takes the relevant pile. 

We proceed with a second group of figures, but this time we must also pay attention to the color parameter identified by the column head. 

Finally we proceed with the third row of shapes.

Example of activity: hide and seek with numbers

The game leader builds a matrix using digits, abstract quantities, and quantities in the form of objects.

The child will be asked to close his/her eyes while the game leader flips over a card. When the child opens his/her eyes, he/she will have to identify the missing card and name the number and object. To make the game more complex, the game leader will also be able to change the positioning of other cards.

Leaf through some activities translated into English to facilitate your evaluation of the product:

THE AUTHOR

Chiara Leoni, graduated in Biological Sciences, she has carried out basic research in the field of Neuroscience. Since 2000 she has been a science teacher in secondary schools.

Loretta Pavan, graduated in Educational and Training Sciences and obtained a Master's degree in Metacognition and Academic Success. He works as a Professional Socio-Pedagogical Educator with children with intellectual disabilities and learning disorders.