Understand area
Picturing area as covering space gives every area number your child meets a real meaning. It keeps area and perimeter from blurring together, and it explains why area is measured in square units. This picture leads to multiplying length by width later this year and to volume, the space inside a box, in 5th grade. Everyday tasks like choosing a rug or tiling a floor use it.
In this video, your child will learn to find area by covering with squares.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
Area = ? sq units
Example 2
How many square units cover the shape?
Your child's turn
Area = ? sq units
The three key steps
- 1Cover it with unit squares.
- 2Leave no gaps and no overlaps.
- 3Count them: that's the area!
Mistakes to listen for
- Leaving gaps or overlapping tiles when covering a shape, then counting anyway, so the area comes out wrong.
- Confusing area with perimeter, counting unit lengths along the edges instead of the space inside.
- Thinking shapes with different outlines cannot share an area, though a long strip and a square can both cover 16 squares.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to area: how much flat space a shape covers →
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Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice area: how much flat space a shape covers, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to area: how much flat space a shape covers has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice area: how much flat space a shape covers
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on area: how much flat space a shape covers and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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