7 Activities to Review Area

This post originally appeared on the blog Math Tech Connections.

In this blog post, I will go over the 3rd grade common core math standards 3.MD.5 – 3.MD.6 and provide you with activities you can use with your students.

Measurement & Data // 3.MD.5 & 3.MD.6

• I understand that the area of a plane shape can be measured in square units.
• I can measure area by counting unit squares.

1. Area Name or Initials Activity

Bringing out the crayons is always fun! Students will enjoy this fun activity. They can either draw their name or initials using this free printable activity. You can also use graph paper found in notebooks or any grid paper you may have.

Directions:

1. Outline your name with a pencil.
2. Color each letter a different color.
3. Find the area of each letter.
4. Add the area of each letter to find the total area.

2. Let’s Multiply – Dice Game

This is a great partner game activity. Students will practice their multiplication facts and review making area models.

Directions:

1. Roll dice.
2. Use the two numbers to create a multiplication equation.
3. Draw the array to represent the equation.
4. Write the total square units inside the array.

You can extend this activity by requiring students to also find the perimeter of each array.

3. Food & Area

Students always pay a little more attention when you bring in a special treat 🙂 When introducing the concept of area, try to use only snacks that are in the shape of a square. Starbursts, Wheat Thins, and saltine crackers are a few you can use. Try to avoid using hearts or round snacks for this activity. Below is a printable students can use as a mat as they build different figures with their snack.

4. Math Talk / Area Tasks

Students love using manipulatives, so take out these square counters and have students complete the following tasks.

Directions:

1. Teacher reads area task
2. Students build their figure
3. As needed, students write their answer on a dry erase board

5. PowerPoint Activity

Use this quick, interactive PowerPoint to review area with your students. Below is a look at the power point. You can download this and the above activities by signing up for our newsletter. The free resources will be sent right to your inbox!

6. Math Sort

Math Sorts are the best math center I have used in my classroom. They are short, focused, and fun! We complete math sorts together at the beginning of the year, but students catch on quickly.

Directions:

1. Cut out the cards
2. Sort the cards into categories
3. Explain how you sorted the cards
4. Glue the cards

Click the picture below to view a set of measurement & data math sorts. You can also view the complete bundle here.

7. Interactive Notebook Activity

Interactive notebook activities can be used as a whole group activity or during guided math groups. Below are a few pictures of area activities included in my 3rd grade interactive notebook bundle.

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Mariela Santillana has 10 years of teaching experience as an elementary school teacher. She is the author of the blog Math Tech Connections and is now a full-time curriculum designer on Teachers Pay Teachers. Her focus is creating engaging standards-based math resources teachers can use during guided math. Visit her store to see her latest resources. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.