Math color by number worksheets and activites for elementary students, decimals and fractions color by number worksheets
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5 Unique but Epic Ways To Use Color By Number Worksheets For High Student Engagement This Year

Using color by number activities in one of my favourite ways to bring excitment and fun inside classroom. I cannot tell you how much my kids look forward to using these for any topic or theme day.

Seriously its one of the best way in my opinion to keep them on the task while still interested in practicing math during math centers.

Try using the if your kids are hitting a math practicing roadblock. We even display the art result they produced in our classroom or gallery. Students feel super prod when I do that.

So today let’s discover five easy ways you can implement math color by number worksheets so you can have an engaged class that’s excited to work on them.

What is a Color by Number Worksheets:

Color by number worksheets aren’t just art and math combined today, instead they are a sure way to give your kids a more engaging and educational experience that they might miss out on during a traditional learning environment.

This way of practicing math provides a structured way to kid’s daily math practice. Today, I’m about to sow you how I use them to add engagement for any topic you want to teach be it fraction operation including word problems or order of operation along with decimal operations.

Why to use Color by number worksheets for developing understanding:

Using art in our daily learning is a fantastic way to increase our kid’s educational experience. Think of it this way: your kids solving math problems and revealing a historical place, figure, or even a themed art piece to set the mood for some festive spirit.

Coloring is also a calming activity that reduces stress and keeps them focused on the task while developing fine motor skills. This is one of the reason why I use color-by-number worksheets as a terrific way to keep them on track with their daily math progress while having fun

Customizable Math Teaching Tool:

Every child is different, and no 2 kids can learn the same way. Customizing color by number worksheets to fit their needs and learning styles can drastically boost student’s engagement.

For visual learners or students who cannot focus on a single task, these worksheets can be a handy tool for any math teacher. 

Creative Reward and Recognition:

You can use the completed math coloring worksheets as a positive reinforcement activity for your students.

Here is how I achieve this. I display the finished color by number worksheets inside our classroom or hallway, which encourages students to perform better and acts as a reward for their hard work.

Develops Emotional Intelligence:

This type of activity not only gets student’s creative juices to follow but also keeps them calm and organized. This enhances their emotional intelligence and stamina to endure more demanding challenges in the learning process, which we as a teacher always strive for. 

Independent and Self-Checking Practice:

If I had to pick one reason among all the above, this one would always surpass the rest. The most important thing any teacher wants is to cut down the time used for grading so we can actually do more of what we Love, aka “TEACHING“.

Color by number worksheets are a fantastic way to facilitate independent practice of topics like area of complex figures, order of operations during the math center activities or the morning bell work, or you can even leave them for a sub day and still get the teaching stuff done while you are away. 

Want to include some color-by-number activities in your class?

Here are a few free ones for you to use.

Get access to Free addition and subtraction color-by-number worksheets and Multiplication Color by number worksheets

If you would like to see more color by code activities, just click on the cover below.

Math color by number worksheets and activites for elementary students, decimals and fractions color by number worksheets

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    3 Digit Addition Problems Activities To Increase Problem Solving Now

    Teaching your students the concept of 3 digit addition problems is essential for their math skills development. Without a solid foundation in these basic skills, students will face challenges as they progress to higher grade levels.

    Let’s explore some strategies you can use inside your classroom to teach 3 digit addition more effectively. So let’s dive in!

    Understanding The Basics of 3 Digit Addition Problems

    To build a solid foundation of 3 digit addition skills in your students, start by introducing the concept of place value.

    Students should know the value of every digit in a 3 digit number. And that should happen even before they begin practicing their addition skills.

    Once your students have mastered the place values, it’s time to introduce them to add 2 and 3 digit numbers. This is the time when you gradually introduce them to the concept of regrouping.

    Building your student’s skills in this way will allow them to make sense of what they are learning sequentially.

    Engaging 3 Digit Addition Problems Worksheet

    Printable worksheets are a must have tool for all math teachers in their classrooms, again not the only ones.

    In addition to this, engaging printable worksheets keep your students in the learning process and draw their attention towards solving math and absorbing what they are learning.

    But creating visually appealing worksheets for your students to work on can be a daunting task.

    Here are a few 3 digit addition problems worksheet ideas to consider using in your classroom.

    • 3 Digit Addition Riddles activity


    Adding riddles activity worksheets in your classroom creates an element of excitement in students. Want some inspiration? Check out these 3 digit addition riddles worksheets in my TPT store!

    3 digit addition and subtraction problems worksheets
    Addition And Subtraction Riddles Worksheets



    Here is how it works. Print out one of the worksheets and hand it out to your students. The visually appealing images and the mystery element of the riddles creates a fun and exciting experience for students.

    Students then works on the problems to find the clues and solve the riddles. Once all the problems are solved, students can then look for the answer and write the matching alphabet assigned to the problem in the given blanks.

    Once all the blanks are filled, students reveal the answer to the riddle. Honestly, riddle worksheets are what my students are always begging for more. I always make sure to incorporate such riddles in my class.

    Want to see what I use check them here.

    • 3 Digit Addition Color by Number Worksheets

    Color By Number is another engaging way to add excitement to your classroom. What’s more interesting is these activities are self checking.

    After finding the answer to their problems, kids look for the colors that the correct answer points to and color in the coloring sheet with the desired color.

    This sparks creativity and fun, which makes working on these activities enjoyable. Don’t want to make your own! Check this out

    3 digit addition and subtraction problems color by number worksheets
    3 Digit Addition And Subtraction Color By Number Worksheets

    Lastly, check out the ones I created for busy teachers like you here.

    • 3 Digit Addition Maze Activity


    Another activity you can do in your classroom is this 3 digit addition maze worksheet. These mazes are also self checking which makes less grading and more free time for the teachers. Whereas more learning for the students.

    Want some free 3 digit addition problems maze activity click here for a free printable.

    My kids are excited to find the answer to the problem they are working on and to find out how they are going to navigate the maze. This interactive activity not only increases their addition skill along with problem solving but keeps them actively engaged in solving math problems.

    Want to access Free Math Resources? Click Here!
    Free Adding and Subtracting Decimal Mystery Picture Activity

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    5 best Saint Patrick’s Day math activities for kids to try this year!

    Woohoo! Are you ready to shamROCK your math lessons this Saint Patrick’s Day? Get ready to sprinkle some leprechaun magic into your maths classroom with these 5 best Saint Patrick’s Day math activities for kids!

    We’re talking about turning your ordinary math session into a pot of gold-filled adventure, complete with colors, word searching, and plenty of math mischief. So grab your greenest gear to explore through some math-tastic fun on Saint Pattys Day!

    Saint Patrick’s Day Fractions Operations Worksheets with Word Problems

    Introducing you the blast of fun education with which your upper elementary students dive into a world where every word problem is a clue, leading them closer to uncovering the mysteries of fractions.

    Whether they’re asked to solve addition and subtraction of fractions, these worksheets will keep them engaged, challenged, and entertained throughout their math journey.

    But wait, there’s more! This worksheet pack is best equipped with so much more fun with word search and coloring opportunities. This is not only to reinforce their fraction skills but also to enhance their imagination and love for math.

    So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Saint Patricks Day math activities for 5th grade!

    Saint Patrick’s Day Multidigit Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Coloring

    Get ready to add a splash of color to your Saint Patrick’s Day math lessons with our Saint Patrick’s Day Multidigit Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Coloring activity pack!

    Who says math has to be dull and dreary? With these vibrant worksheets, your 5th-grade students will be diving into a world of mathematical mysteries while discovering their inner artists. Making them able to solve multidigit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems, means to internalize the fraction operations creatively.

    But the fun doesn’t stop there! Not only will they be honing their math skills, but they’ll also be exercising their imagination and attention to detail. With Saint Patricks day math color by number, they’ll be one step closer to discovering the secret treasures hidden within each worksheet.

    So, why settle for ordinary math practice when you can add a splash of Saint Patrick’s Day magic to your lessons? Let’s make math fun, engaging, and unforgettable with these magical worksheets!

    Saint Patrick Solve The Room Decimal Addition Subtract Multiply Divide Activity

    With Decimal Addition Subtract Multiply Divide Solve The Room Saint Patrick Day Activity, we Call all 5th-grade math detectives—it’s time to put your problem-solving skills to the test in this thrilling, shamrock-filled adventure.

    Not only will they be sharpening your decimal arithmetic skills, but they’ll also be up on their feet, moving from task card to task card like true math adventurers. It’s a dynamic, interactive way to engage with math that’ll have your students buzzing with excitement from start to finish.

    And the best part? As the students crack each code and conquer each challenge, they’ll be one step closer to the ultimate prize—a sense of accomplishment and mastery over decimals that’ll leave them feeling like true math wizards.

    So, are you ready to turn your classroom into a Saint Patrick’s Day math maze? Let’s make learning decimals an unforgettable adventure with our Decimal Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Solve The Room St. Patrick’s Day Activity!

    Decimal Addition Subtract Multiply Divide Saint Patrick Day Fun Activities

    Are you feeling excited to make the learning active and more engaging? Here’s the time when the Saint Patricks day math decimal operations worksheet comes into use!

    As the students navigate the room and solve each challenge, they’ll be engaging in active learning, moving, and collaborating with their fellow math adventurers. It’s a dynamic, hands-on approach to math that’ll have them on the edge of their seats and eager to conquer each new challenge.

    And the best part? Not only will they be honing their decimal arithmetic skills, but they’ll also be enriching themselves in the spirit of Saint. Patrick’s Day is surrounded by the magic and mystery of Irish folklore.

    So, are you ready to turn your classroom into a math-filled treasure hunt this St. Patrick’s Day? Let’s make learning decimals an adventure to remember with our Decimal Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Saint Patricks day math decimal operations worksheet!

    Saint Patrick’s Day Adding and Subtracting Fractions Word Problems

    Are you looking to make fractions more fun and engaging for your 5th-grade students this Saint Patrick’s Day? Look no further! Our worksheets are designed to turn ordinary fraction practice into an exciting adventure filled with puzzles for word problems to make students excited to search for answers for operations.

    Each worksheet is packed with word problems that will challenge your students to add and subtract fractions while unraveling the mysteries of Saint Patrick’s Day. From dividing up pots of gold to sharing lucky charms with mischievous leprechauns, every problem is a chance for your students to flex their fraction skills in a fun and meaningful way.

    But that’s not all! Our worksheets are also designed to boost critical thinking and problem-solving skills as students decipher word problems and apply their fraction knowledge to find solutions. It’s a fantastic way to reinforce math concepts while immersing your class in the magic of Saint Patrick’s Day.

    So, are you ready Saint patricks day word search activities? Let’s make adding and subtracting fractions a festive and unforgettable experience!

    And there you have it, folks—5 shamrockin’ Saint Patrick’s Day math Fraction operations activities to add a pinch of magic to your classroom festivities!

    Whether you’re counting gold coins, graphing leprechaun preferences, or solving rainbow fractions, these math-tastic adventures are sure to make your celebration unforgettable.

    Want something fun and free to use in your class check this Free Saint Patty’s day activities!

    So, don your greenest attire, grab a handful of lucky charms, and let the math mischief begin! May the luck of the Irish be with you all year round!

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    7 Valentine’s Day Math Activities for 5th Graders

    So you have taught fractions unit to your 5th grade kids…Now what?

    There are many ways you can keep your students practicing there fractions skill this valentines without feeling overwhelm.

    This Valentine’s Day get your 5th graders math game strong by using meaningful activities that help them practice various math skills they have already learnt.

    one thing I would advice before starting is do not just make this season all about hearts and candies use it as a perfect opportunity to get your kids more engaged in math fun!

    So if your goal is to engage your students with math fun… interactive math activities both print and digital is the way to go.

    But before we get started a quick reminder, if you need free math activities and worksheets to try with your 5th grade kids, join the newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox!

    Now let the fun began, here are seven exciting math activities that will help your 5th grader’s attention and get them to practice key mathematical skills.

    1. Mystery Picture Puzzles

    Want to practice multi digit addition and subtraction with regrouping but do not want it to be a boring activity? Mystery picture puzzles are the best way to do it while making it a fun interactive activity.

    Your kids will practice their 2 and 3 digit addition and subtraction skills by solving these problems and putting together the puzzle pieces to reveal the picture.

    Because look – we math teachers need to know what kids know and what needs more practicing so we can keep our math class more interesting.

    So if there is any activity that I can use with my kids to practice their basic operations skills while solving and building a puzzle, I’m am here for it.

    How it works:

    Prints out the puzzle worksheet and hand it over to the kids. Let them cut the puzzle pieces on the right side.

    Once that’s done let them solve and put the mystery pictures together to reveal the picture.

    Valentines Day 3rd 4th multi digit grade addition and subtraction with regrouping picture puzzle activity worksheets

    As your students complete the puzzle and uncover the picture you can even instruct them to color it and make it a fun art piece for their classroom bulletin board decoration.

    Key Skills this activity helps kids with:

    • Problem-solving
    • Attention to detail
    • Addition and Subtraction fluency

    2. Color by Numbers

    When it comes to practicing math facts especially multiplication and division some things are easier than others. And honestly coloring math activities is like one of those things.

    For my kids multiplication and division are the skills that they need more practice with than anything else.

    And to tell you the truth it is better to get them to practice these skills more during their upper elementary years more so it’s easier for them to build other math concepts during their middle school years.

    This is the exact reason why I have whole year themed multiplication and division color by number activities.

    That mainly focuses on multi digits like 2 or 3 digits multiplication and division practice.

    The best part is each page has just enough math problems for kids to complete in a day making it a perfect addition to your daily math lesson.

    Here is how it works: Kids use the back of the page to solve the problem. Each problem has 2 answer options along with the color they need to use to color the picture.

    Students solve and select the right option and work on there coloring part of the activity.

    Does this sound boring? Nope. Click here to see Valentine’s Day color by number on my TPT shop.

    3. Independent Work Pack

    Need a comprehensive 5th grade math activity pack that students can complete independently. Include:

    • Word problems
    • Word search puzzles
    • Matching activities

    Benefits:

    • Self-paced learning
    • Skill reinforcement
    • Develops mathematical independence

    4. Pixel Art Digital Valentines Day Resource

    I do not know about you but I still feel like I haven’t fully got the hang of using digital activities in my class.

    Honestly to leverage technology to get kids practicing math concepts like fractions addition and subtraction with unlike denominator is a bit mess but we are getting though it using Pixel Art Google Sheets(TM) activities.

    I assign my students thise activity on their devices and they solve math problems to reveal a pixel art Valentine’s design. The more kids solve the problem right the more picture is revealed which is super FUN!

    So if you need a digital valentines day fraction operations resource check out the link to my TPT shop. Its fun, its engaging and most of all its self checking so kids get immediate feedback.

    5. Fraction Heart Puzzles

    Puzzles puzzles and some more puzzles. I you one for the people who hear about differentiation or centers in meetings and are excited to try new thing to make it work then this one is for you.

    Puzzles are the best part of my centers. Although they take up a little bit of time to prep but its so worth the effort.

    Kids not only have to solve the problem but also find the answer to complete their puzzles making it a perfect game based activity to try during math centers.

    The best part… it’s free!

    But if those same puzzles are heart shaped fractions problems that’s even better. You can check them here.

    6. Valentine’s Day FREE Solve the Room

    This my friend is what I ALWAYS do when I do not have anything planned for the day and need something quick to engage but still keep them learning.

    The idea is simple you write math problems on task cards and display them at various points in your classroom.

    Kids walk around the room and solve the problems on the recording sheets.

    They feel engaged and fun. Not sticking to their chairs and able to walk around is what makes this activity one of my ids favorite thing.

    And honestly, I do not blame them. So if you want to transform your classroom into an interactive collaborating math learning place try out math solve the room activities.

    7. Valentines Day Fraction Worksheets

    We all use worksheets to put the practice kids need to improve their understanding.

    In fact, who does not like to use worksheets to make learning fun with Valentine’s-themed images so kids are more likely to solve them and not feel bored?

    These Valentine’s Day math worksheets go beyond traditional worksheets by offering engaging, interactive ways to practice their math skills.

    By using themes of love, you are helping students see math as an exciting, enjoyable subject.

    How do you make learning fun during valentine’s day? Let me know in the comments!

    Want to get access to exclusive FREE content? Sign up for the newsletter below!

    Once you sign up, you’ll receive the freebies to help you teach elementary math!

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    Free Adding and Subtracting Decimals Activities PDF for 5th Grade

    Are you a 5th grade math teacher trying to figure out more ways to help your students. Get this engaging and no prep printable adding and subtracting decimals activities PDF for a class that’s full of both fun and learning at the same time. Ensure your students master adding and subtracting decimals activities 5th grade with ease.

    These engaging worksheets are designed to make decimal operations fun and accessible. In this blog we are talking about helping you to build confidence and proficiency in your students abilities to add and subtract decimals using mystery puzzle activity.

    Why should you teach decimal operations?

    It’s a very important skill to teach your students how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals. The knowledge that your students gain by building this particular skill is very important in their daily lives while dealing with height, weight, money, etc. But before this, they need to nail down their basic about decimal place values. Having prior knowledge of decimal place values, your students will be better able to understand decimal operations like adding and subtracting decimals.

    Here are a few resources you can try in your classroom for teaching decimal addition and subtraction:

    Engaging Adding and Subtracting Decimals Activities PDF

    Keep in mind you need to build up your student’s basic understanding of decimal numbers before your use this printable mystery puzzle activity for review work.

    FREE Adding and Subtracting Decimals Activities PDF

    Adding and Subtracting Decimals Mystery Puzzle Activity

    Suppose you want to review adding and subtracting decimals for your 5th grade math students. But your goal is to make them capable enough to be able to think independently on the math problems. Why not try these no prep adding and subtracting decimals activities PDF with mystery puzzle worksheets? Here is an example of how it looks:

    How does this activity work?

    First, print the activity page and cut the puzzle pieces on the right side of the page. You can even tell your students to cut the pieces themselves.

    Second, they solve the problem of adding and subtracting decimals on the left side of the page. They can use the block they are working on to show their work or even use the back side of the page to show.

    Lastly, they find the puzzle picture with the answer they have found and paste it on that specific question. Encourage them to keep on working until they reveal the mystery picture.

    Adding and subtracting decimals activities 5th grade mystery puzzle not only helps them with their decimal problem solving skills but also lets them wonder what mystery lies ahead of them.

    If you are interested in the free printable adding and subtracting decimals activity, fill in the form below with your name and email address, and it will be delivered to your inbox.

    Click here to download PDF. The activity has an answer key, just in case your kiddos get stuck while solving the puzzle. I hope you found this post helpful.

    Need help? I am just an email away.

    Contact me at [email protected]

    Join in to get special FREEBIES and Insider’s FUN!

  • |

    The Only Multi-digit Addition and Subtraction Practice I’ll Use This Year

    Raise your hand if you’ve ever printed a math worksheet, handed it out and watched your entire class immediately ZONE OUT. 

    Same. Dry, black and white worksheets suck the energy right out of math time for your students and for you.

    They’re boring. They don’t work. And worst of all? They make these core basic operations reviews feel like a chore. 

    But here’s the thing, addition and subtraction practice doesn’t have to be dull. 

    When you mix in color by number printables or activities with riddles to review, your kids are engaged, your classroom is calm, and your math centers become something everyone actually looks forward to.

    I’m breaking down the multi-digit addition and subtraction practice worksheets I’ll use this year, because they work and they save my sanity.

    Strategy 1: Use Multi-digit Addition and Subtraction Escape Room to Make Practice Fun

    What would life be like if you didn’t have to convince kids that the more they practice, the better it is for them?

    What better way to practice than to disguise it as a riddle and increase their curiosity along with math skills? These are just a few of the reasons why math riddles are magic, I use during review time.

    The only 2 and 3 digit Addition and Subtraction Practice Activity Needed in your elementary math class | Multidigit Addition and Subtraction Escape Room printable worksheets activity for 3rd 4th and 5th grade

    My students get self motivated to solve them, and that’s not just to get the math right but to solve the riddle. That little “aha” moment at the end makes the work feel like a game to them, not a worksheet.

    The best part? Riddle worksheets are also self-checking. If the answer doesn’t make sense? It means it’s time to double-check their math without you having to hover or correct them. The reason why it’s a total win for me. 

    Escape Room-style riddles are also perfect for independent work, partner pairs, or small groups. 

    The only 2 and 3 digit Addition and Subtraction Practice Activity Needed in your elementary math class | Multidigit Addition and Subtraction Escape Room printable worksheets activity for 3rd 4th grade

    You’ll love the classroom management piece (hello, quiet engagement), and your students will love cracking the code.

    Still not sure? Try what I use and see your kids filled with excitement: Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction with Regrouping Escape Room.

    Want to try a free activity? Grab my FREE addition and subtraction printable pack from my TPT store here. It’s ready to print and go. 

    Strategy 2: Color by Number for Fluency & Focus

    You know those kids who can’t sit still for more than five minutes? Yeah, even they get into color by number math. The visuals pull them in, and the structure keeps them focused. It’s like sneaking in math fluency practice… with crayons.

    To be honest color by number is a game-changer for independent work, early finishers, math centers, basically anytime you need your students to be engaged without needing your constant attention.

    And unlike flashcards, these worksheets build fact fluency in a low-stress, low-prep way that students actually enjoy. 

    My go-to resources that I pull again and again are: Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Color by Number Worksheets

    My students actually ask for these during math review. Yep. It’s that fun. 

    Strategy 3: Mix Seasonal + Skill-Based Review

    Want to keep review fresh without re-inventing the wheel every week? 

    Seasonal printables are your best bet. You’re still hitting the same addition and subtraction skills, just dressed up for fall, Halloween, winter, or whatever season you’re in.

    Students stay engaged because it feels new even though the practice is familiar. Teachers win because it’s low-prep and high-impact. 

    It’s perfect for early finishers, homework, and sub plans basically anytime you need a minute to breathe.

    Teachers like you find these a fun addition to their toolkit: any seasonal or holiday themed addition and subtraction practice.

    What would life be like if you didn’t have to reinvent the wheels? 

    If you want your students engaged, confident, and actually enjoying math this year, start with tools that make them smile and think. Riddles, color by number, seasonal printables, they’re more than just fun. They’re effective.

    You don’t need to reinvent math review. You just need the right tools in your teacher box. 

    Still want to learn more?

    Check out this back to school math activities that set the tone for your whole year.

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    How to teach the area of composite/complex figures in an EPIC way!

    Struggling to teach the area of composite figures in a way your students actually get?

    Ever wondered that every time you feel like thinking about how to get started or how even to think about introducing the topic to your kids, frustration kicks in!

    Believe it or not, we all have been there during our first few years of teaching.

    And you’re not alone… If your kids are zoning out the second you say “area” keep reading, this post breaks it down with easy, engaging ideas that make sense (and work for all levels).

    Teach kids how to find Area of Complex or Composite Shapes  figures | middle school math lessons and activities

    Explore the Area of complex figures in an exciting way

    Let’s be real right now teaching math isn’t what it used to be. Today’s kids are growing up with TikTok-level attention spans and infinite entertainment options at their fingertips.

    That means if your area of complex shapes lessons are not engaging and exciting enough, you’ve already lost half the battle.

    Here’s the good news, you don’t need flashy tech or hours of prep work just to make the area of composite figures click for your students. You just need the right strategy.

    So how do you teach this topic in a way that’s fun, clear, and actually sticks?

    find Area of Complex or Composite Shapes lesson math middle school

    The answer: make it visual, hands-on, and connected to real life, yup, that’s right this way your students aren’t just memorizing formulas, they’re solving problems like mini math detectives on a mission hunt.

    Now the question is where do you begin?

    Start with the Basics:

    Like I said, it all starts with basics.

    And to be honest, there is no other answer to this problem other than nailing the basics!

    Here is the hard truth… if kids find the lesson interesting, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn about the problem, think about it, practice it, and ultimately feel a sense of confidence in their skills.

    This is why using gamified methods of teaching math inside your classroom can be a handy tool for teaching any concept!

    Teach kids how to find Area of Complex or Composite Shapes  figures | middle school math lessons and activities

    Seeing Math Everywhere:

    Here are the steps to help kids see math everywhere in their life.

    Step 1: Help Students See Math Everywhere (Real-Life Hook)

    One of the most effective ways to introduce composite figures is by showing students where these shapes exist in their world.

    What it means is to check for there: Activate prior knowledge. Ask your students:

    • What basic shapes do you already know?
    • Can you think of any objects that are made up of more than one shape?

    Then guide them to see that a playground, a building (maybe school) floor plan, or even a weird-shaped pizza is made of multiple simple shapes.

    🟩 + 🟥 + 🟦 = Composite figure.

    Your goal here is to help them realize that composite shapes are just familiar shapes combined, nothing fancy.

    Teach kids how to find Area of Complex or Composite Shapes  figures | middle school math lessons and activities

    Step 2: Revisit the Basics with Hands-On Practice

    Before diving into composite figures, make sure your students are rock solid on calculating the area of:

    • Squares
    • Rectangles
    • Triangles

    Here is a Pro Tip: Use graph paper and have them COUNT squares to confirm what the formulas actually do. This helps your visual and tactile learners “see” the math in action.

    Step 3: Decompose a Composite Figure (using engaging activities)

    Once the basics are solid, it’s time for the real fun, breaking down a complex shape into smaller, manageable parts.

    Here is an activity you can try in your class:

    1. Show them a real-life layout — like a house blueprint or the shape of a playground.
    2. Ask them to identify the basic shapes they see.
    3. Have them outline or color-code each individual shape inside the figure.
    4. Guide them through finding the area of each part — and then adding it all together.

    Want a fun way to reinforce this practice? Try out this this area and perimeter Color by Number activity!

    Finding the Area of Composite Figures or Complex Figures (Color by Number)

    Since kids have already mastered how to calculate the area of regular shapes, it’s time to introduce them to composite figures.

    You can use any composite shape, like a park or a house layout, and ask what they see.

    Tell them to imagine the shape as a whole building made by several small ones and treat every small shape like a rectangle, square, or triangle as a room inside the building.

    Let them think about this concept for a while, and then decompose the shape into its parts and find the area of the individual basic shape.

    Finding Area of Complex Figures Piece by Piece

    Next, it’s time to decompose composite figures like literally breaking the big shape into smaller, familiar parts.

    For better understanding, it’s good to introduce a composite figure with 2 or 3 squares or rectangles and then move on to the more complex figures.

    The next step is to ask your kids how many squares or rectangles they see inside their big figures.

    Have them trace or outline each individual shape in a different color and then calculate the area of each smaller part one shape at a time.

    Pro Tip: Write the area inside each shape as they go to help them see their progress. Next step is to calculate the areas of these individual shapes.

    Since your students by now already know how to calculate the area of regular figures, it would not be a daunting task. Lastly, ask them to add all of them together to get the total area.

    Want some resources to practice the area of squares, rectangles, and triangles in an exciting way? Check out this area and perimeter Color by Number activity below.

    Area of complex figures review practice and perimeter of regular and composite figure, area and perimeter of regular shapes

    Finding the Area of Complex Figures (Trending and Most Popular)

    Now comes the fun part: tell your kids that we are calculating the area of the whole building, not just the single rooms inside.

    They also know how to calculate it by adding the areas of each smaller shape. Basically, by summing up, kids will be able to tell what the area of the complex figure is. 

    Want some fun digital and printable activities to help you with this lesson?

    Check out this exciting whole class activity: Digital game for area of composite figure that also includes printaba le worksheet for student accountability.

    Area of composite figure digital game and activity for 6th grade

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