Work together to build and protect a town that is under attack by giant robots. Choose to upgrade the homes within the town and grow the population, strengthen the town walls, or actively attack the robots. Each correct answer earns you a chance to take action—will your town stand strong or fall under pressure?

In this version, students practise calculating area by counting coloured squares within a range of grid-based shapes. This hands-on approach helps students visualise the concept of area as space covered, while improving accuracy and understanding of units of measurement. It’s a great way to support early area concepts in an engaging format.

Let’s Defend – Calculate Area by Counting Squares is ideal for Year 2–4 students learning the fundamentals of area and spatial reasoning. Use it during measurement lessons, rotations, or independent practise using the QR code to reinforce key geometry skills through a fun and fast-paced defence game.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify area as the space inside a shape
• ✅ Calculate area by counting unit squares
• ✅ Develop spatial awareness and visual reasoning
• ✅ Strengthen understanding of basic measurement concepts
• ✅ Engage in collaborative gameplay that promotes maths fluency

How to Play:

1. Students are shown a shape made up of coloured squares.
2. They count the total number of squares to calculate the area.
3. A correct answer earns an action—upgrade homes, boost defences, or launch an attack on the robots.
4. Incorrect answers miss the chance to act and risk letting the robots gain ground.
5. The game continues until all questions are complete and the final town status is revealed.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during maths units on measurement and area for hands-on visual practise
• 💡 Great for Year 2–4 students beginning to explore spatial measurement
• 💡 Pair with a follow-up task where students draw their own shapes and calculate the area
• 💡 Integrate into rotations or maths centres alongside manipulatives like grid paper

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Let students personalise their experience by choosing from six characters before the game begins
• 💛 Select the number of players or teams at the start of the game to suit individual, paired, or group play
• 💛 Send the QR code home for students to play as a homework or revision task

Let’s Defend – Calculate Area by Counting Squares brings measurement to life in an exciting battle to protect the town—where every correct answer builds strength and strategy!