What’s the Area?

Teacher: Good morning, Daniel! Today we’re going to learn about area.

Student: Area? Is that even a math word?

Teacher: Yes! Area is the space inside a shape.

Student: Oh, like the water inside of my water bottle?

Teacher: Well, not quite. Area is the space inside a 2-dimensional, or a flat, shape. Area won’t find the amount of water in your water bottle. Let’s try using a flat shape instead!

Student: Okay, what about the lid of my water bottle? That’s flat!

Teacher: Perfect! This circle represents the top of your water bottle lid. This is the area. See how it includes all the space inside the circle?

Student: Yeah, I think I get it now! Can we try some more shapes?

Teacher: Sure! Can you color in the area of this triangle?

Student: Okay, how is this?

Teacher: Now that's a great first try! Remember, area is the space inside a shape. That means your entire triangle should be colored in.

Student: Whoops! I guess I did leave a few white spots in the triangle. Here, is this better?

Teacher: Yes, that’s perfect! Now, I’ve drawn 3 shapes on the board. Which shape does not have its area colored in?

Student: Well, that’s easy! It’s the triangle that looked like mine before I fixed it!

Teacher: Now you’re getting it! Area is the space inside a flat shape. Whether the shape is a square, rectangle, triangle, or circle, area covers the entire shape!

Student: Right, area covers the entire space inside a shape. Instead of coloring in a small part of this trapezoid, I need to color in the entire trapezoid!

Teacher: That’s right! Great job!