[paco61]

What ideas have you used that worked out when you have taught measurement? I need some new ideas, thanks!!

[clanna]

Measuring Penny is a great book to read that teaches many equivalencies. Then, we bring in stuffed animals to measure their arms, legs,head, etc.

Students eat a Twizzler in 12 bites to remember 12 inches equals one foot.

Take a length of yarn. Let students hold both ends. Fold it in half like you're folding a sheet. Tie another color of yarn like a flag where the fold is. Fold again. Tie flags. When it is opened up, the flag's mark 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4.

[icare]

Students do the standing broad jump and measure what they jumped.

We also make charts of things in the room that are 1 inch, 1 foot, 1 yard and likewise in metrics.

[Ms. J]

I am working on a measurement unit, too. If you search the proteacher site for "measurement", you will find many ideas. I also got the book mentioned by clanna Measuring Penny. I look forward to having students bring in a stuffed animal and measuring their parts. Thanks clanna!

I also like the idea of having students go on a scavenger hunt outside looking for items with a specific measurement:
Find an object that measure exactly one foot.
Find an object that is less than 10 inches.
They enjoy this activity!

Good luck!

[clanna]

Another book you can use is The Queen's Bed or How Big is a Foot? I have seen it under both titles. It demonstrates the need for standard units of measurement when an apprentice has to make a bed for the queen using his feet to measure. Of course, the bed wouldn't fit the queen.

I like your idea of going outside for a scavenger hunt. This is the way it is usually presented on our state test ---Which item is about 10 inches?

[mshelbyk]

google "measurement olympics" you'll find neat olympic themed activities...very timely with the summer olympics coming up!!!

[AussieBird]

A mini Olympics is GREAT for all sorts of measurement. Here is a unit, an oldie but a goodie, that you could adapt/update. I have done these activities with Gr 3&4. when we held a mini Olympics. We set up stations (indoors is ideal if you have a large enough hall/ space), the children were divided into groups , each with a captain, and then they rotated through all 6 activities. The events finished with a scavenger hunt. It was great fun as well as terrific measuring practice.

[Little Flower]

Last year when we studied measurement I paired the students with a partner and using a tape measure they measured each others arm length, arm span, head, tracing of their foot, waist, and height. It was a great cooperative hands-on activity. Then we used the information to create a chart of the largest and smallest of each measurement. You can even graph the results of any of the measurements.

[paco61]

Thanks for all these great ideas!