Measurement allows us to analyze the objects in our world.

We are constantly doing it. Before they are even aware of this new vocabulary, young children are constantly measuring items.

Fostering an awareness of measurement can not only help them master everyday tasks, but nourish their growing ability to think critically.

For this activity, we used non-standard units (in this case swimmer cut-outs) to measure each member of the fictional Huntley Swim Team.

Students were first instructed to lay down on butcher paper that was decorated with swimmer items.

Next they were given a partner who’s job it was to measure them with swimmer cut-outs. Lastly, the partner was instructed to count each cut-out. Lastly, both students discussed how tall they each were. Both partners traded places so that each were given the opportunity to measure themselves.