We explored hands on play using a measuring tape. This involved using language such as longer, shorter, identifying numbers while comparing and contrasting in size and numbers the materials of engagement. Using the classroom materials and environment as our learning canvas.

1.The Tool

2. How to connect the tool to our pants.

3. What is on the tool?

4. What is the tool used for?

5. How to use the tool.

Some fun measuring experiments we tried at school that you may enjoy at home.

1. Your height measurements
Stand up straight against a wall and measure from the floor to the top of your head.

2. The circumference of a tree trunk
Wrap the tape measure around the trunk of a tree and read the measurement.

3. The width of a doorway
Measure the width of a doorway to see if a piece of furniture or appliance can fit through.

4. The length of a room
Measure from one end of a room to the other to determine the length.

5. The height of a ceiling
Measure from the floor to the ceiling to determine the height.

6. The size of a picture frame
Measure the width and height of a picture frame to determine the size.

7. The distance between two points
Measure the distance between two points on a map or between two landmarks.

8. The depth of a swimming pool
Measure the depth of a swimming pool to determine how deep it is.

9. The length of a garden bed
Measure the length of a garden bed to determine how much soil or compost is needed.

10. The length of a piece of wood or pipe
Measure the length of a piece of wood or pipe to determine how much you need for a project.

The children enjoyed critical thinking using everyday problems such as ‘It doesn’t fit’. Problem solving through measurement and math was a fun experience as we supported problem solving in real world situations.

Our guiding question for all the ‘fitting’ problems were

“What if we tried this?”

We discussed how there is always a solution to a problem if we take the time to figure out what isn’t working. Using math and measurement became a social tool not just for critical thinking but also for confidence boosting. Through out the day children can feel overwhelmed just by a task of folding a sheet or hanging up a coat or getting the pieces of a puzzle to connect.