How do I work out the area of different shapes?

You know that when working out the area of a square or rectangle you do width X height. 

We know a triangle is always half of a square or rectangle, so you work out the width and height and then divide it by two. 

Often you will be asked to find the area of a shape with is made up of different squares and rectangles, and make an irregular shape. It is useful to split the shape you are given up to different, regular shapes, as this allows you to find the area of these shapes separately, and then you just have to add them together.

(showing visual representations will be useful with this area of maths. I would create real life situations for the children to help them relate with the maths. For example, I may draw them an irregular shape with some lengths given, and ask them to work out the area of the shape so I know how many paving slabs I need for my new patio, etc.)