by Pamela Sigler Taylor

Created on: January 11, 2009

Measurement is only one part of the kindergarten curriculum which is filled with inquisitiveness and exploration. Young children learn best by doing. Hands on activities will best suit their learning styles and advance them on towards understanding. Teachers and family members need to simply guide them along their path.

How do we teach them?

Children learn early on that tools are used to aid mankind. One common type of measurement tool is generally a ruler or a yard stick.

But, in early years of learning one might begin to teach with a more simplistic understanding. Begin by asking the children to measure items they are familiar with using times such as teddy bear counters or paper clips. For example, have them count the number of teddy bear counters it takes to go across their desk or chair. Then have them compare it to another child's answer.
Is it the same? Is it close? The two numbers should match or be in close proximity. Talk about this with the children and allow them to ask questions to open up further exploration.

How do I get the child interested in what they are doing?

Allow the child to use items that they like as the measuring device. If they enjoy small cars, use those. Have them pick cars from their toy box that are about the same size.
Then have them place them end to end to measure various objects. Once again, use their counting skills. By giving them the option to choose what to use and what to measure they will be more apt to enjoy the lesson as well as retain what they have learned.

What vocabulary should we expect them to use?

Comparison words are always good. The box is longer than the envelope. The paper clip is shorter than the paper. The feather is lighter then the cup of sugar. Have them draw pictures and dictate sentences to you. Write down their sentences and discuss them. Include numbers as well when you can.

Light and heavy are abstract concepts. How do I help the children understand these concepts?

The use of a balance is the best. Have the child place an object into the one side of the balance. Talk about the fact that the heavier object goes down. The lighter object stays up in the air. To achieve balance and the same weight they must match in distance from the surface you have placed them on. Then, once again using counters placed into the other side see how much it weighs. If they can have them predict the weight after a few trial and errors. Teach them that no prediction is wrong unless way of base. Praise success. Don't focus on

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