Worksheets are a useful resource for students who work well on their own. Third-grade worksheets that supplement the math curriculum can give students extra practice with the concepts of perimeter and area or can challenge those who are capable of adding lengths with larger numbers. For students that grasp the concept of perimeter easily, worksheets in which not all sides of the shapes are labeled will add an extra element to their learning.
Let students use their imagination and creativity by creating a zoo map. Using rectangles as the main shape, each student is in charge of creating a different building for the various zoo animals. Any combination of building shapes can be made by combining several rectangles together. Students then solve for the perimeter of each zoo building by finding the perimeter of each rectangle and adding them all together.
With a few crafting supplies and creativity, students can learn how to find the perimeter of complex shapes through art. Students will need square-inch grids, scissors, glue, construction paper and crayons or markers. Have each student cut out 1-inch pieces of grid paper and glue them onto the construction paper to create several unique shapes. When dry, use the markers to outline each square in one color, and with a different color, outline the entire shape that was created with the various squares. Next to each newly created shape, the students can write the perimeter of the shape by adding up all edges of the individual squares.
For students who appreciate a game-like feel to learning math, computer games may be a useful resource for learning perimeters. Students can go online and compete against themselves to improve their time and score. Like worksheets, these resources can help students who need extra practice or provide an extra challenge for those who are ready for more advanced problems.