NCERT Maths Mela, Class 5, textbook pages 142–154

How to teach Class 5 Maths Chapter 11, Grandmother’s Quilt, at home

Perimeter and area, taught with things you already have at home: a 10-minute activity, a game for the week, a 5-day plan and the mistakes to watch for.

area:24 squaresperimeter:20 units

NCERT Class 5 Maths Chapter 11 Grandmother’s Quilt: what it teaches

Lace goes round the edge of a quilt (perimeter); patches cover its surface (area). Your child finds perimeters by adding sides, finds areas by counting unit squares, and sees that shapes with the same area can have different perimeters.

Why it matters later. Area and perimeter are core measurement topics through Class 8 and beyond.

See it: this chapter in pictures

5 cm3 cmperimeter = 5+3+5+3 = 16 cm
Perimeter: add all the sides.
1 × 12: perimeter 263 × 4:perimeter 14
Same area, different perimeters.
area = 28 squares
Area: count the squares inside.

You need

  • squared paper
  • string or thread
  • paper square tiles
  • a ruler

Tonight’s 10 minutes

  1. Measure the sides of a book and add them for its perimeter. Check with string.
  2. Draw a rectangle on squared paper and count squares for its area.
  3. Make every rectangle with area 12 squares. Which has the smallest perimeter?
  4. Cover a notebook with paper squares to estimate its area.

Words to use

  • perimeter
  • area
  • square unit
  • border
  • length
  • breadth

Watch for

  • Mixing up area and perimeter. Perimeter is the fence around; area is the grass inside.
  • Counting half squares as whole squares. Pair up half squares to make wholes.

What it sounds like at home

A short example of the conversation. Your words will differ; the questions are what matter.

YouLace goes round the quilt. Is that area or perimeter?

Your childPerimeter.

YouPatches cover it. That is…

Your childArea.

YouRectangles with area 12?

Your child1 × 12, 2 × 6, 3 × 4.

A game for this week: Area 12 challenge

  1. On squared paper, draw rectangles with area 12.
  2. Find the perimeter of each.
  3. Smallest perimeter wins.
  4. Try area 24 next.

A 5-day plan, 10 minutes a day

  1. Day 1Perimeter with string.
  2. Day 2Area by counting squares.
  3. Day 3Rectangles with area 12.
  4. Day 4Estimate a notebook’s area.
  5. Day 5Area 12 challenge.

Everyday moments to practise

  • Fencing a garden.
  • Tiles for a floor.
  • Framing a photo.
  • Paint for a wall.

Quick check

Ask these at the end of the week. Tap to see the answer.

Perimeter of a 5 cm by 3 cm rectangle?

16 cm.

Area of a 4 by 3 rectangle in squares?

12 square units.

Can two rectangles have the same area but different perimeters?

Yes, e.g. 1 × 12 and 3 × 4.

Ready for the next chapter when your child…

  • Finds perimeter by adding sides.
  • Finds area by counting squares.
  • Knows area and perimeter are different.

Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Maths Mela (Class 5). See the full Class 5 parent guide for every chapter.

Questions parents ask

What is the difference between area and perimeter?

Perimeter is the length around; area is the space inside.

How do I find the perimeter of a rectangle?

Add all four sides: length + breadth + length + breadth.

Is area formula (l × b) taught in Class 5?

Area is found by counting squares, leading to length × breadth.