Understanding measurement and using a ruler to measure things can be an exciting and confusing time for kids. It is excited to use a tool and be able to measure whatever you want, but it can sometimes be confusing with all the lines on the ruler, and the different measurements.
I introduced measurement to my class using a kit, however it would be simple enough to make your own. I started with a ruler that was shaped as a foot and put up a normal ruler next to it to explain that a ruler is one foot. Then I had inchworms that were the same length as an inch and asked the kids to line it up and see how many "inches" equals one foot. We learned that 12 inches equal one foot. then using the inches and the foot we measured various things around the room. It was a fun introductory lesson for the kids.
Here is a worksheet I found that is good practice and also this introductory video How to Use a Ruler to Measure
I introduced measurement to my class using a kit, however it would be simple enough to make your own. I started with a ruler that was shaped as a foot and put up a normal ruler next to it to explain that a ruler is one foot. Then I had inchworms that were the same length as an inch and asked the kids to line it up and see how many "inches" equals one foot. We learned that 12 inches equal one foot. then using the inches and the foot we measured various things around the room. It was a fun introductory lesson for the kids.
Here is a worksheet I found that is good practice and also this introductory video How to Use a Ruler to Measure
I love this post! Measurement was something I struggled with in school and sometimes a little today. I love having hands on ways to remember how ong something is. I used to work at a subway and would alway refer to 12" or 6" by picturing a loaf of bread that size. Working at a Subway actually helped me become better at measurment. I think we sometimes forget how much a ruler or a measuring tape is used on a day to day basis, this is a great topic to cover with kids and it doens't have to be in depth, its so easy to make it easy for younger students.
ReplyDelete