When I use the multiplication chart transparency, I also have square paper transparency ready. First I identify the square numbers on the chart as an example 4x4=16. I draw the fact by shading in the squares on with a 4x4 square for the students to count the squares on the square paper. Then we try 3x4 or 6x8 and count the squares that make up the rectangles. Area is directly connected to the numbers on the multiplucation chart.