(Materials for modifiers) -measuring tape -ruler -yardstick
Modifiers/Scaffold
For an easier challenge: -Pull out a measuring tape and talk about the different numbers you both see
For most children: -Pull out a measuring tape and use it to measure the objects with which the children are measuring the room
For a trickier challenge: -Give the child a ruler or a yardstick and ask for measurements in feet and yards
Follow-up Ideas
-Other objects you could use to measure your classroom with are books, boxes, flashlights, spoons and forks, pencils, and paintbrushes.
Originating Idea
This morning I was rearranging my room, and my students wanted to help me move the furniture. We talked about how far we wanted to place the furniture away from the walls, and how big our tables and chairs are in comparison to our toys. From our rearrangement of the room came this fun activity that the kids absolutely love doing!
How to Make It
The teacher prints enough copies of the "Our Classroom is..." worksheet to give one per group (she can either use this exact template, or modify it to meet the needs of her own classroom.) She then puts each sheet on a clipboard. Then she can attach a pencil to the clipboard using the yarn and tape. Finally, she places all the materials her students need to measure the classroom (for example, a shoe, a lunchbox, a water bottle, and a Lego) on the table.
How to Implement It
During afternoon circle time, the teacher has the children sit in a circle around the carpet. Then the teacher will tell the students, "Today I'm moving the furniture around in our class, and I need to know how long my classroom is! That's where you come in! You are going to use different materials to tell me how long my classroom is." The teacher will demonstrate how to measure object by measuring how long her pencil is with the ruler. Then she have her students split up into groups, give each group their materials and clipboard, and then let them measure the classroom.
Most children will take the different object and measure across the room with them. Don't expect the children to get accurate measurements; for many of them, this is the first time they are attempting to measure the room. Later students will get close to accurate results and measure more precisely, whereas earlier students will measure the room less precisely.
Once the students finish their worksheet together, the entire group can place their clipboards and materials on the teacher's table and then wash their hands for snack. The first group that finishes can read books with the teacher's assistant while the other groups finish. Once everyone is finished, the class can sit down at their seats and eat snack together.