Geometric blocks can include any of the basic shapes, such as circle, octagon, rectangle, triangle and square. A child remembers these shapes better when they are associated with the basic colors. Young children learn to match colors and shapes at the same time; they take these basic skills with them to the higher grades, where they use them seamlessly in addition, division, fractions and subtraction.
The same geometric blocks teach the concepts of basic math, such as addition and subtraction. For example, a rectangle can be divided into squares. If a picture shows an empty blue-lined rectangle, the child must determine how many square blue shapes will fit in the blue rectangle. Likewise, a square or a diamond can be divided into two triangles. These concepts easily translate to math problems that children practice by removing or inserting certain shapes or colors.
Pattern blocks are an excellent tool for teaching basic fraction concepts. For example, children can use pattern blocks to determine how many triangles there are in a circle or an octagon. One triangle removed from a six-sided hexagon equals 1/6 of the whole; one triangle removed from an octagon equals 1/8 of the whole. Likewise, a rectangle divided into squares teaches the same fraction principles.
Pattern blocks also teach division principles. For example, dividing a circle into four or six parts teaches the concept of how many parts equal a whole. A six-part octagon divided by 2 equals 3, which is demonstrated by dividing the octagon in half and showing how many parts are on each side. Teaching the basics of division in a visual way results in higher comprehension and retention.