Max Maths, Year 6, Learn together, Finding areas by counting squares

In the Max Maths Year 6 curriculum, students learn an intuitive method for finding the areas of irregular shapes through a practical and visual approach. The technique involves drawing the shape on a centimetre square grid and using colour coding to differentiate the squares based on how much they are covered by the shape. To begin, all fully contained squares within the shape are coloured in red, signifying that they are entirely within the bounds of the shape and thus contribute fully to its area.

The next step is to colour the squares that are more than half covered by the shape in yellow. These partially covered squares are still considered when estimating the area, as they contribute significantly to the shape's coverage. Conversely, squares that are less than half within the shape are coloured in blue and are not included in the area calculation. By counting all the red and yellow squares, students can arrive at an approximate area for the shape. For example, an area estimate using this method might be 26 square centimetres or 26 cm², providing a simple yet effective way for children to grasp the concept of measuring irregular areas.