Young children need hands-on learning, so how do we teach measurement and make kindergarten measurement worksheets engaging? We use the kindergarten measurement worksheets to guide exploration and investigations of measuring around the classroom. Kindergarten measurement worksheets should include measuring length, weight, and comparing objects.
Non-standard vs. standard measurement
Young children understand the concept of measurement better when they use non-standard measurements. By first and second grade, teachers should start to introduce standard measurements. Non-standard measurement means using other objects to measure. For example, my desk is 3 pencils long and 15 cubes long. One of my most favorite activities for teaching measurement with non-standard measurement tools is measuring with footprints. You can read more about it here.
Measurement Activities
Measuring length
When teaching students to measure length, kindergarten measurement worksheets should only be used as a way to guide explorations and record measurements. Children need hands on practice measuring the lengths of different objects around the room. I love using these task cards to encourage exploration and discoveries around the room. Children love walking around the room and finding objects that are longer or shorter than a pencil. It is these hands-on investigations that help students really understand the concept of measurement.
Measuring weight
Kindergarten measurement worksheets about measuring weight should let children actually weigh different objects. They could try out a scale and see what number it says, but the more engaging and meaningful way to practice measuring weight involves using a rocker balance. Children can put different objects into the balance and see which one weighs more by seeing which one tips down more. The children can also see how many more they would need to make the weights equal. For example, how many bear counters would it take to be equal to 1 pair of scissors. Using objects from around the room make it more exciting and engaging for the children and will spark curiosity in the world around them!
Comparing objects
One important skill that kindergarten measurement worksheets should cover is being able to compare objects by size. This means we want students to order objects from smallest to biggest. I love using these kindergarten measurement worksheets with playdough to have students build different size balls or snakes and then compare their sizes. The vocabulary cards encourage students to describe the objects with the measurement comparison vocabulary of “bigger than,” “smaller than,” etc.
Connecting kindergarten measurement worksheets to math read alouds
My favorite measurement read alouds share fun facts and compare real objects the children are familiar with. My all-time favorite is Actual Size because it literally shows children the different sizes of animals. I use the book with this kindergarten measurement worksheet and the children love measuring the different animals.
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Conclusion
Kindergarten measurement worksheets should guide children in exploring and measuring the world and objects around them. Children learn best by doing the measuring themselves and being encouraged to be curious about the objects around them. You can get all of these activities and more here!
Looking for other math help? Check out these topics!
- Counting
- Number Relationships
- Teen Numbers
- One More One Less
- Addition and Subtraction
- 2D Shapes
- 3D Shapes
- Place Value
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