Kindergarten Measures Up!

The kindergartners have been investigating different forms of measurement these past few weeks.  Seth introduced linear measurement using standard and non-standard forms.  He read the book, How Big is a Foot?, to get the students thinking.  Afterward, we took turns measuring the rug with our feet and discovered we had different size feet!

Next, he asked why we have rulers.  The students explored ideas and agreed that we needed something that is the same for everyone.  The children then traced their hands and feet and used inches and centimeters to see what size they were.  The next big project was to trace each student's body and measure various body parts.  This was a great deal of fun and the room was buzzing with excitement.

Then we took our measuring outside to the playground and found lots of things that measured between one and ten inches and recorded our findings on a chart.  This was hard work but it was fun to see all the different things that were of similar lengths.

Today we read the book, Just a Little Bit, and discovered the concept behind a balance scale by reading about animals trying to balance on a seesaw.  The students then worked in small groups and used classroom items that they each chose, to find out which was heaviest and which was lightest, and those in between!  We will soon begin to use weights and find out how much things really weigh!!

Measuring things at home is also lots of fun.  If you have a ruler or tape measure (the preferred tool!!) encourage your child to measure the height and length of some of their favorite things and then, if a scale is available they could find out the weight as well.  If they record their findings we would love to have them share it with their class!!