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Making Maths

Maths hiding in making things: den building

Measure blankets, cushions and safe spaces for a den.

Quick answer

Maths hiding in making things: den building is all about using numbers, shapes, measurements, and patterns when you're building a safe and comfy space for yourself or your toys. You use maths to work out how much fabric you need, how many cushions to add, and how to make it the right size.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use measurements, shapes, and counting to plan and build a safe, comfortable den. Success signs:
  • You can measure your space using a ruler or tape measure
  • You can count how many items you need for your den
  • You can describe the shapes of your den's parts
  • You can compare sizes of different den elements

Why this matters

When you build a den, you use maths to make sure it's safe and comfy. You need to know how much space you have, how many cushions you need, and how to make it fit. This helps you build better, and it's a fun way to learn maths.

How it works

Building a den uses many maths ideas:
  1. Measure your space
  2. Count how many things you need
  3. Look at shapes
  4. Compare sizes

Examples you can see

Let's say you want to make a den using blankets and cushions. Step 1: Measure the space If you have a space that is 3 metres long and 2 metres wide, you can draw a rectangle on the floor to show where your den will go. Step 2: Count your items You need 4 cushions for a comfy den. If each cushion is 1 metre long, you'll need 4 metres of cushion space. Step 3: Look at shapes Blankets are usually rectangles. Cushions can be squares or rectangles. Your den might be a rectangle too. Step 4: Compare sizes If you have a big blanket and a small blanket, you can say the big one is longer than the small one.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Build Your Den You're going to build a den for your toys. Here's what you do:
  1. Find a corner in your room
  2. Measure it with a ruler or metre stick
  3. Draw a rectangle on the floor to show where your den will be
  4. Count how many blankets you need
  5. Count how many cushions you need
  6. Use your measurements to decide how big your den should be
Try this challenge:
  • First time: Measure a corner of your room
  • Second time: Draw a rectangle for your den
  • Third time: Count your blankets
  • Fourth time: Count your cushions
  • Fifth time: Check if your den is big enough for your toys

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Not measuring the space properly
    Why it happens: You might not know how to use a ruler or tape measure.
    Fix: Practice measuring with a ruler. Try measuring your toys, your books, or your feet.
  • Mistake: Not counting items carefully
    Why it happens: You might lose count or forget to count some things.
    Fix: Use your fingers or draw pictures to help you count.
  • Mistake: Thinking all shapes are the same
    Why it happens: You might not know the difference between a square and a rectangle.
    Fix: Look at real shapes around you. A square has 4 equal sides. A rectangle has 2 long sides and 2 short sides.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Letting them measure things around the house
  • Helping them count items
  • Pointing out shapes in the room
  • Encouraging them to compare sizes
  • Asking questions like "How many blankets do you think you need?"
If they make a mistake, don't worry. It's part of learning. You can say, "Let's try again" or "Let's count together."

Practice questions

  1. How many metres wide is your den if it's 2 metres long and 1 metre wide?
  2. If you have 5 cushions, how many corners do they have in total?
  3. What shape is a blanket?
  4. Which is longer: a 3-metre blanket or a 2-metre blanket?
  5. How many cushions do you need if you have 3 toys and each toy needs 1 cushion?
Answers:
  1. 1 metre
  2. 20 corners (5 cushions x 4 corners each)
  3. Rectangle
  4. The 3-metre blanket
  5. 3 cushions

FAQ

How do I know how big my den should be?

Measure the space where you want to build your den. Make sure you leave room to move around and get in and out.

Can I use maths to make my den more fun?

Yes! You can use patterns with your blankets, count how many toys fit inside, or even measure how long it takes to build your den.

What if I don't have a ruler?

You can use your hands or feet to measure. For example, if your foot is about 20 cm long, you can count how many foot lengths it takes to measure your space.

How does building a den help me learn maths?

Building a den helps you learn about space, shapes, measurements, and counting. These are all important maths skills!

Can I build a den with friends?

Yes! Building a den with friends is a fun way to work together and use maths to make sure everyone has enough space.