Can we teach through YouTube?

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Hello!


Let’s face it, geometry can be one of the most exciting parts of the math curriculum… or one of the dullest, depending on how it is taught. But what if I told you that all it takes to make triangles, symmetry and angles come alive is a screen, a click and the power of a good YouTube video? According to Berk (2009), video clips from platforms such as YouTube can be effective tools for gaining attention, contextualizing content, and fostering meaningful learning.

In this post, I am sharing how I have used videos in my geometry lessons to spark curiosity, build understanding, and get students genuinely excited about shapes.

Why YouTube?

Kids are already drawn to video content. Why not use that to your advantage? A well-made geometry video can do more than just explain concepts, it can show transformations in motion, use real-life examples, and add music, humor or storytelling that sticks. As Mayer (2014) argues, students learn better when visual and verbal information are presented together in a meaningful way. Videos, especially those hosted on platforms like YouTube, can enhance student engagement and conceptual understanding (Kay, 2012)

Here are two ways I recommend to use YouTube videos to bring geometry into focus:

Introduce New Topics Visually

Before touching a worksheet or opening a textbook, I play a short video to introduce the concept. One of my go-to videos is Math Antics, Angles. It explains acute, obtuse, and right angles in a way that is clear, friendly and even a little funny.

This could be mixed with asking questions and debating as the video continues by stopping it in the point that the teacher what s to pay more attention to in that class.

Get Moving with Geometry Songs and Animations

Yes, I mean it, songs! There are catchy geometry tunes on YouTube that explain 2D and 3D shapes, angles, and position words through music and animated characters. “2D Shapes Song” by Jack Hartmann is an absolute favourite in younger years.

As an idea, you can turn it into a movement break! Let kids form the shapes with their bodies while the song plays. It is energetic, memorable, and surprisingly educational.

But Is It Effective?

Definitely, if used purposefully. I do not just play a video and move on. I pause, ask questions, rewind and link the content to hands-on activities. I also use it as a springboard for discussions and drawing tasks.

But the best way to prove it is definitely by watching one example: 



Final Thoughts

Using YouTube in the geometry classroom is not about replacing your teaching, it is about enriching it. With the right videos, you can add depth, excitement and real-world connections to your lessons. So the next time you are planning a lesson on polygons or transformations, head to YouTube and let a little screen time work its magic.

Have a favourite video or channel I should check out? Drop it in the comments!


S33 Y0U 1N 7H3 N3X7 3N7RY!


REFERENCES:

Berk, R. A. (2009). Multimedia teaching with video clips: TV, movies, YouTube, and mtvU in the college classroom. International Journal of Technology in Teaching and Learning, 5(1), 1–21.

Kay, R. H. (2012). Exploring the use of video podcasts in education: A comprehensive review of the literature. Computers in human behavior, 28(3), 820-831.

Mayer, R. E. (2014). Incorporating motivation into multimedia learning. Learning and instruction, 29, 171-173.

Smile and Learn - English. (2018, 30 noviembre). Geometric Plane Shapes for Kids - Primary Vocabulary [Vídeo]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tkRwMHu9NQ


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