When
children compare objects in their environment and use terms such as
"bigger", "smaller", "wider," and "taller," they are
laying the foundation for understanding measurement. A fun way for
them to practice measurement skills is by building a house for a
favorite toy or character like the Cat in the Hat.
A House Just Right for Me!
Take It Further
- Finger
Puppets printable
- Construction paper
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue
- Non-standard unit of measurement (e.g., paperclip or penny)
- Crayon or Marker
Directions:
-
The
Cat in the Hat and his pals Sally and Nick are tired after a full
day of adventures and need a place to rest. Ask your child, "Will
you make two houses, one that is just the right size for the Cat and
another that is just the right size for Sally and Nick?"
-
Cut out the Cat and Sally and Nick finger puppets from the
Finger Puppets printable.
- Give your child something to measure with,
such as a paperclip, penny, or small block.
- Tell your child to measure the puppets and then use the same tool to
measure and cut out two square or rectangular pieces of construction
paper that are the right height and width for each character. Cut
out a triangular piece of paper to glue on for a roof.
- Your child can then use crayons or markers to draw windows and doors on
the house and decorate it any way he wants. Be sure he measures the
door carefully so it is the right height for the character! Ask your
child, "Which house will need a taller door?"
- Help your child compare the two houses by asking questions such as, "Is
the Cat's house bigger or smaller than Sally and Nick's house?";
"Whose house is wider?" Which house has the biggest door?"
- You can turn the 2-D house into a 3-D house by gluing the house onto the
front of a box. Cut out a door and windows, so the character can go
inside the house and look out the windows.
Challenge
your child to more measuring fun by asking him to use his feet to
measure things around the house. Trace his foot on a piece of heavy
paper such as poster board or an empty cereal box. Cut it out and
use it as a non-standard unit to measure his bed, the couch, a table,
the TV, the bathtub, etc.
Now trace your foot and cut it out. Measure one of the same items that
your child already measured. Compare the two measurements. Ask your
child, "Did it take more of my feet or your feet to measure your
bed?" Why do you think that is? (your feet are bigger so it will
take less of them). This teaches your child the value of standard
units of measure such as inches, feet and yards.
Hermit Shell Game —
Kids use sorting and measurement skills to match hermit crabs that have outgrown their shells with new, roomy shell homes.