enVision Mathematics Grade 3, Topic 6: Connect Area to Multiplication and Addition
In this unit, your child learns that area is the amount of flat space a shape covers, measured in squares. They count square units, then see that rows of squares make multiplication, so a rectangle 4 by 6 covers 24 squares. They also split L-shaped figures into rectangles and add the parts. Next comes data and graphs.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 6?
- Covering a shape with unit squares, squares 1 unit on each side, with no gaps or overlaps to find its area. Learn more: Area: how much flat space a shape covers
- Measuring area in square centimeters, square inches, square feet, or square meters, and naming the unit with the answer. Learn more: Finding area by counting squares
- Multiplying length by width to find a rectangle's area, and splitting an L-shape into two rectangles whose areas add up. Learn more: Finding the area of a rectangle
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
You want to cover a rectangular garden with new grass. Which measurement tells you how much grass you need?
- Perimeter
- Length
- Area
How you can help
- Count the square tiles on a section of kitchen or bathroom floor, row by row, and ask your child how a times fact could give the total faster.
- Draw an L-shaped room on paper, label each side, and ask your child to split it into two rectangles and add the two areas.
- Arrange 12 square crackers into different shapes on a plate and ask whether each shape covers the same amount of space.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting the grid lines instead of the squares between them, so a shape 4 squares wide becomes 5.
- Multiplying every side length on an L-shaped figure together instead of adding two areas.
- Counting the squares around the edge of a shape, mixing up area with the distance around it.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- area
- The number of square units that cover a shape.
- unit square
- A square 1 unit on each side, used to measure area.
- square unit
- A square used to measure area, like a square inch or square foot.
- square inch
- A square that is 1 inch on each side.
- square centimeter
- A square that is 1 centimeter on each side.
- length
- How long something is from end to end.
- width
- How far across something is from side to side.
- rectilinear figure
- A shape made only of straight sides that meet at square corners.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with finding area?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 6 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 6 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.