When I am teaching a skill that doesn't need to be differentiated {really} and that lends itself to exploration I try to accomplish covering it whole group. Most of my math instruction is done in small groups, but today I'd like to share how I teach measurement to my kindergarten class. When I teach measurement, I do a little bit every day and I use a booklet to give us practical application practice right away.
Before we being our guided math zones, we will start out our time together gathered on the carpet. I use hand motions and a chant-like way of explaining "I can measure" and begin to talk about measuring ridiculous things. This captures their attention and they hear the word measuring at least 15 times.
Free Measuring Booklet
I use materials each day to practice the measurement concept and teach each attribute with a hand motion to make the vocabulary stick. They complete the first page as we discuss what it means (focusing on the beginning sounds), and the second page of each attribute to draw an example of what we measured and write numbers to match (showing our thinking).
These mini-lessons cover these measurement standards:
- K.MD.1.a Distinguish between measurable and non-measurable attributes of objects. Note: Measurable means quantifiable, such as length, weight, height, distance around.
- K.MD.1.b Name the measurable attributes of a given object.
- K.MD.2 Compare the measurable attributes of two objects using appropriate vocabulary including taller/shorter, heavier/lighter, longer/shorter.
We recall measuring once in a while just for review after this set of mini-lessons as most have it down. They practice comparing weights and heights in the practice zone through a few independent activities. We also use rulers I made that make measuring length a bit easier on kinders to see that the measurement carries across the depth of the ruler. They are actually inch long segments and feature a caterpillar {that looks very hungry if you ask me} so you can call them inch worms if you want {wink}.
We bring these out later in the quarter to review and explore measuring and documenting measurements in our math journals. 
Do you have any fun activities to practice naming and comparing the attributes for measurement? If you like what I do here on KindergartenWorks, then be sure to subscribe today. I look forward to sharing ideas with you weekly.
More Math Activities
- Subtracting 10 Free Bump GameFree Game for Adding 1
- Teddy Bear Number Line Addition
- Subtraction - Am I the Last One?
- free "ways to make 5" bingo - K.OA1, K.OA.4
- Bump Games
sylivia says
great measurement centre activities for kindergarten
Sue says
Sadly, I can't get it either and I've tried multiple browsers. Oh, well...but it looks great!
Elizabeth Polston says
When you open the file page go up to "File" and then select export as PDF and it will download the book. Do the same to download the caterpillar rulers.
Kathy Stahl says
Thanks so much for sharing your resources. The booklet is a great introduction to the math language.
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Thanks Kathy for stopping by to share your thoughts. Enjoy the booklet. It definitely helps to introduce the language... and then so does my over the top shenanigans sometimes. {ha!}
- Leslie
billi j Scroggins says
I love this idea, but can't get it to load on my computer. Do you have in a tpt shop?
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Hi Billi,
Nope, this is an exclusive download here on our blog. You might want to try again using a different browser. The rulers are a large file and takes quite a while to load. Best of luck! Thanks for sharing your thoughts - comment anytime!
- Leslie
jaer2 says
Thank you for the wonderful ideas on measuring. I love the inch worm rulers. Very cute and I love the ideas on your site.
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Thanks Jaer2. Your comments are appreicated and I'll admit that the rulers are one of my very first creations {that I later revamped} as a first year teacher so they are dear to my heart.
- Leslie