Year 5 tackle problems of size

What are the dimensions of a shelving unit? Is there space for it by the window? How long is an exercise book and a ruler? What area is the floor? How much will it cost to carpet that area? Year 5 have been grappling with some very practical problems of perimeter and area this week.

With measuring tapes and rulers to the ready, we have been learning how to measure carefully, calculate perimeters of different shapes, and find the areas of rectilinear and compound shapes. You can now call upon your Year 5 child to help you tile that oddly-shaped bathroom floor. They will coolly break the shape down into simpler rectangular shapes, find the area of each and add up the total.

With Christmas coming, knowledge of area and perimeter has been proving useful: we have measured fairy lights to see if they are long enough to form the perimeter of our display board. And next week we will be designing a special North Pole home for someone very important. Apparently, a large gift-wrapping area is required, and stables for some animals with antlers...