Using non-standard units ( like lego blocks, your own feet, etc…) to introduce children to measurement is a fun and functional way of doing it. They are comfortable with the items they are using to measure, and it’s a little less abstract than a standard unit like an inch or centimeter. They can see and manipulate these units and are familiar with them as well. My son loved this and has been asking to measure his sister in Legos too.
- Gather your materials. You will need some blocks ( we are using Lego Duplo
), a sheet of paper, marker, and items to measure.
- Start by making a chart with 3 columns. Item , Prediction and Result.
- Draw the items for children that can’t read independently yet, but also write the item name with the drawing.
- Go item by item asking for a prediction before measuring.
- Time to measure! Count how many Legos tall it is.
- Write the result.
- Keep going!!
Math Pretend Play
This simple elevator activity not only boosts number recognition it also uses your child’s imagination !
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Jen says
Love this activity…especially the prediction and actual measurement part! I am saving this for when John is old enough to do it! Love the elevator pretend game too. Cute!
Kara says
OH, what a great idea! I think my 8 year old would be pretty into this, too and I know the 4 year old will love it 🙂
thanks for the inspiration (as always)
.-= Kara´s last blog ..Make Your Own Backyard Obstacle Course =-.
Maya (Memetales) says
Oh man, this is absolutely brilliant.
Jenae says
What a great idea! I love your website!
I recently posted another preschool math activity involving graphing on my website. Here is the link: http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2010/07/early-graphing-activity.html
.-= Jenae´s last blog ..Stoplight Beanbag Toss =-.
MamaHall says
Great idea!
.-= MamaHall´s last blog ..summer candy =-.
Rachel says
Brilliant! My kids love measuring with a measuring tape, and have gotten their fingers caught more than once. This is a great alternative and it works on fine motor skills at the same time!
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Dreaming of Winter Let’s Make Snowflakes =-.
Chris says
thanks for sharing this! i know my son would love this…
.-= Chris´s last blog ..The Land of Me Review =-.
Rebecca at Toothwhale says
Thank you for this genius idea. We haven’t done anything like this and I think my kids (ages 5 and 3) will be totally into it.
.-= Rebecca at Toothwhale´s last blog ..Were reading- Why Mosquitoes Buzz in Peoples Ears =-.
Adam Singer says
Love this.