- number block cards
- string
- short and tall blocks
- ramp building materials from the week
- height
- same
- shorter
- taller
MA Standards:
Speaking and Listening/SL.PK.MA.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners during daily routines and play.
Mathematics/Counting and Cardinality/PK.CC.MA.1: Listen to and say the names of numbers in meaningful contexts.
Mathematics/Counting and Cardinality/PK.CC.MA.2: Recognize and name written numerals 0-10.
Mathematics/Measurement and Data/PK.MD.MA.2: Compare the attributes of length and weight for two objects, including longer/shorter, same length; heavier/lighter, same weight, holds more/less, holds the same amount.
Head Start Outcomes:
Approaches to Learning/Persistence and Attentiveness: Maintains interest in a project or activity until completed.
Approaches to Learning/Persistence and Attentiveness: Sets goals and develops and follows through on plans.
Approaches to Learning/Persistence and Attentiveness: Resists distractions, maintains attention, and continues the task at hand through frustration or challenges.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
Mathematics/Number Sense 1: Listen to and say the names of numbers in meaningful contexts.
Mathematics/Number Sense 2: Connect many kinds/quantities of concrete objects and actions to numbers.
Mathematics/Measurement 14: Use nonstandard units to measure length, weight, and amount of content in familiar objects.
Measure Up
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
Skill Focus: Follow Directions, Measuring, Vocabulary
Educator Prep: Before gathering, make number block cards indicating how many long or short blocks in length the ramp is to be.
Tell children that they are going to choose a number block card and then measure blocks with string so that they can make inclines just the size that they want them. Review with children that to make a ramp steeper, you raise one end, making it taller than the other end. Hold up two blocks of obviously different heights and ask, Which block is taller?
As children respond, show them how to use string to measure the two blocks to determine which one is taller. Model how to use the string like a tape measure, pinch the spot at the top, then move the string to the other object without letting go.
Have children choose a card that tells how many tall or short blocks they are to use to make their slanted plane. Have them measure the blocks to find the long and short ones, and then use them to make their ramp. Have children take turns building ramps and rolling objects down them. Encourage them to share their observations about which ramps make objects roll farther.