A good way to initially introduce area is through the use of concrete materials, as this helps the pupils grasp a more tangible understanding of the concept. While reading about teaching measurement I came across this activity which I feel would be a beneficial way to introduce the concept of area or to reinforce it.
Learning Intentions:
- Choosing appropriate standard units of area and making sensible estimates with them in everyday situations.
- Extending understanding of the relationship between units.
- Finding areas by counting methods.
- Developing mathematical strategies and looking for ways to overcome difficulties.
Experience and Outcome:
I can estimate the area of a shape by counting squares or other methods – MNU 1-11b
Resources: three sets of all the different shapes possible from one, two, three and four squares, a spinner with the numbers one to four and a five-by-five grid for each player.
Instructions
Teach the children how to play a grid game. Each player needs a board and there should be plenty of shapes they have made available.
Players should:
- take it in turn to spin the spinner
- take a shape with the appropriate number of squares
- place their shape on their board
The first player to fill their grid with shapes is the winner. The players must decide whether or not they are going to allow each other to move the piece around on the board during play. It doesn’t matter what they decide, as long as they all stick to the rules.
Activity from; Blinko, J. & Slater, A. (1996). Teaching Measures: Activities, Organisation and Management. London: Hodder & Stoughton.
