Hide and Seek — Class 4 Mathematics (CBSE)

From the current NCERT Maths Mela Grade 4 book, Chapter 2. Like a game of hide and seek, we learn to look at things from different sides and to find places using a grid.

1. Why this chapter matters

The same object can look different from different sides. Learning to see the top, front, and side views, and to find positions on a grid using directions, builds spatial sense — useful for maps, drawings, and finding our way.

2. Core ideas

Idea 1 — An object has different views

We can look at an object from the top, the front, and the side. Each view can look different.

Method 2 — Match the view to the object

The top view of a cup is a circle; its side view looks like a cup. We match each picture to the correct view.

Skill 3 — Use a grid and directions to find a place

A grid has rows and columns. We use directions — left, right, up, down — to move and to describe a position.

3. Worked examples

Example 1: What is the top view of a ball?

A ball looks like a circle from the top (and from every side).

Example 2: A book lies flat on a table. What is its top view?

A rectangle.

Example 3: On a grid, start at a corner. Move 2 right and 1 up. Describe the path.

Go right, right, then up once to reach the new square.

4. Activity corner

Place a cup, a book, and a ball on your desk. Draw each one's top view. Then make a small grid of your classroom and mark where the door and board are. Write:

• The top view of each object
• A grid position using rows and columns
• The maths idea (views and grid directions)

5. Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking an object looks the same from every side. Fix: Most objects look different from the top, front, and side.
• Mistake: Mixing up rows and columns. Fix: Rows go across; columns go up and down.
• Mistake: Confusing left and right while giving directions. Fix: Check your own left and right before describing a path.

6. How to write better answers

1. Say which view is asked: top, front, or side.
2. Name the simple shape you would see.
3. For a grid, give the row and column or the directions in order.
4. Keep left/right and up/down clear.

7. Practice set

1. Name the three views we can draw of an object.
2. What is the top view of a ball?
3. What is the top view of a book lying flat?
4. On a grid, what do rows and columns mean?
5. Describe the path: 3 squares right, then 2 squares up.

8. Answer key

1. Top view, front view, and side view.
2. A circle.
3. A rectangle.
4. Rows go across; columns go up and down.
5. Move right three times, then up two times.

9. Quick revision

• An object can look different from the top, front, and side.
• Top view of a ball is a circle; of a flat book, a rectangle.
• A grid has rows (across) and columns (up and down).
• Use directions — left, right, up, down — to find a place.
• Matching views and reading grids builds spatial sense.