Measurement shouldn’t just be something kids do with a ruler and a worksheet. Long before kids can calculate length in inches and centimeters they can start to learn about estimating and measurement with non-standard measurement.
What is non-standard measurement? It’s the process of using something other than a ruler for measurement. It helps kids grasp the concept and encourages problem solving.
Teach Kids Measurement
My favorite thing about non-standard measurement is that it’s a science and math activity that doubles as a boredom buster. Since you can use anything you have around to measure it’s the ultimate low prep activity.
Since it’s fall right now we have pumpkins all around we used a pumpkin to measure with. We went around estimating how many pumpkins long different items inside and outside our house would be and then used our trusty pumpkin to check our guesses.
To measure with the pumpkin we put our finger on the side of the pumpkin and moved it along the edge of the object we were measuring counting as we moved. If you are using something you have multiples of to measure with (like crayons) you can line them up along the edge. That may be easier for younger kids to do.
Making science and math learning hands-on and active is a great way to help kids develop problem solving skills!
The other Move and Learn co-hosts were busy putting together Move and Learn Activities for kids this week too, make sure to check them out!
Other Ways to Move & Learn this week:
- Hanging Sight Words from The Pleasantest Thing
- Spider Web Scavenger Hunt from Hands on : as we grow
- Halloween Themed Movement Activities from Toddler Approved
- Check out all our Move & Learn activities
- Lots of ideas on our Pinterest board!
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