Constructions are an integral part of high school Geometry.
Teaching constructions well requires great assessments. You’ll need a deep knowledge of the construction process, and you’ll want quality construction tools, mainly a compass. Tips for making great constructions are really helpful, as well as having excellent methods for demonstrating the step-by-step procedures.
Go here to read more about assessing constructions.
Now that we know where our students are going, let’s get to some points that help them the most.
Several of the ideas, below, are from my Geometry site for students.😄
Hold the compass like a pencil!
In my experience, students don’t naturally tend to hold their compass like a pencil, yet that has been the best method for most kids.
If you’re using a typical compass, you want to hold it like you hold your pencil…but not on the “pencil side”–you want to hold it on the “pointy side.” You know, the part with the sharp point.
Don’t use two hands.
I know it might sound strange, but if you have two hands on the compass, it will probably be harder to use.
You wouldn’t cut with both hands on a pair of scissors.
Don’t construct with both hands on your compass.
Put the pressure on the pointy end, not the pencil end.
This is huge. You want to bear down on the point, not the pencil.
The pencil just needs to lightly move across the paper.
This helps your compass to stay in position, ensuring a cleaner construction.
Turn your paper instead of turning the compass!
Set the compass where you need to construct, and then turn your paper, keeping the compass in place.
If you’re using the above tips, it’s likely to become your favorite way of completing constructions.
Now, head over to find the best ways to deliver your awesome instruction!
You’ve got this!