MA Standards:
Mathematics/Measurement and Data/PK.MD.MA.1 Recognize the attributes of length, area, weight, and capacity of everyday objects using appropriate vocabulary (e.g., long, short, tall heavy, lights, big, small, wide, narrow).
Head Start Outcomes:
Logic and Reasoning/Reasoning and Problem Solving Classifies, compares, and contrasts objects, events, and experiences.
Science Knowledge/Scientific Skills and Method Observes and discusses common properties, differences, and comparisons among objects.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
Mathematics/Measurement 14 Use nonstandard units to measure length, weight, and amount of content in familiar objects.
Small Group: “Kid Rulers”
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
STEM Key Concepts: There are different ways to measure
ELA Focus Skills: Compare and Contrast, Listening and Speaking, Vocabulary
Have children work in pairs to make “kid rulers.”
- Have one child lie on the paper while the partner traces his or her outline.
- Let children cut out their “kid rulers.” Give help as needed.
- Invite children to decorate their unique measuring tools.
- Encourage children to use their tools to measure other big things, such as the width of the room, the height and/or width of a piano, the length of the playground slide, the distance from the Block Center to the door, or a hallway.
Adaptation: You might prefer to have very young children do the activity individually, with one-to-one supervision.