Measurement

THINK - MATH

Encourage preschoolers to compare the length, height, and weight of objects in their world

At A Glance

Preschoolers use their measurement skills when they compare lengths, heights, and weights of objects. They may tell you whether the bike is bigger than the ball, or if the stick is longer than the leaf. We can support measurement skills by modeling measurement words, encouraging children to compare objects, and prompting them to use tools (e.g., rulers) to make measurements.

What It Looks Like

A quick glance at ways you can help preschoolers develop measurement skills

Use Measurement Tools

Use a balance scale to help children compare the weights of various objects. As these children place two balls on the scale, the educator encourages them to consider how the scale tells us that one ball is heavier than the other.

Consider Weight

Encourage children to think about the weights of objects in their play space. Notice how this educator ask children to consider whether a jug filled with water is heavy or not.

Promote Measuring

Encourage children to measure independently. At first, focus on using non-standard units of measurement, like this educator does. Later, introduce standard units of measurement, such as inches.

SUPPORTING MATH SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS

Just How Long Can a Long String Be?!

Written and illustrated by Keith Baker, this story is about a bird and an ant that follow a thread of string across the pages of this book. Along the way, they discover the string’s many uses and sizes.

SUPPORTING MATH SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS

Too-Small Tyson

Written by JaNay Brown-Wood and illustrated by Anastasia Magloire Williams, this story follows Tyson, the youngest and smallest of his brothers, as he uses measurement and creativity to solve a big problem.