Perimeter and Area - Area of Rectangles - Planning

In the second week of the Autumn term, Year 5 students continue their exploration of measurement, focusing on the area of rectangles. This lesson builds upon the foundational knowledge that the area of a rectangle can be calculated using the formula 'length × width = area'. Students begin by revisiting the previous lesson's activities, reinforcing their understanding of how to apply the formula. They are encouraged to experiment with drawing rectangles of a given area by identifying factor pairs, and to solve problems involving rectangles on a square grid by scaling measurements to find the correct length and width before calculating the area. The lesson also includes a word problem where students must apply multiplication to find the total area of multiple gardens.

During group work, students collaborate to complete reasoning tasks, allowing them to share answers and discuss different problem-solving strategies. Independent learning is facilitated through differentiated worksheets that cater to varying levels of fluency and reasoning abilities. The lesson places emphasis on key questions about the properties of shapes, such as the significance of the sides of squares and rectangles, and whether the area formula is universally applicable. Common misconceptions are addressed, including the recognition of square numbers and the use of inverse operations to find missing dimensions. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' activity, where students assess their learning, identify the skills they used, and make a commitment to remember key points from the lesson. Differentiated outcomes are set for students working towards expected levels and those aiming for greater depth, with each level focusing on the use of the area formula in increasingly complex scenarios.