Measurement: Ribbons and Rulers

This project lends itself to selective emphasis on concepts (texture, size, number, length) depending on the range and level of the group.

Objectives

Children ages 3-4 can identify objects longer than and shorter than Cog. IIIB
categorize objects by size Cog. IIIA
match objects which are the same length Cog. I
and they can uses texture to describe an object Cog. I

 

Materials

Different sized ribbons, varying in color, shape, length, width etc.; box to hold the ribbons.

Procedures

1. Have all children sit around box. Ask them to take turns looking into box, reaching in, and taking one ribbon. Each is told to feel his/her ribbon and find one which is soft or bumpy or coarse or wide or thin, etc.

2. After each child has found his/her ribbon, talk about ribbons: what color is your ribbon? Who has the longest ribbon? The shortest? The widest? The thinnest?" Vary questions to suit the ability of the group.

3. Next have the children walk around the room and find 3 things that are the same length as their ribbon. The children will discover for themselves that a piece of ribbon is a very useful measuring device in that it can be used up, down, across and around.

4. Have children tell you what things were as long as their ribbons. Write their names on a large piece of paper, e.g. Things that are as long as

(Reggie's) ribbon: 1. the back of chair 2. The cupboard door 3. The side of a cupboard.

5. When the child begins to make comments like “My ribbon is longer than yours", the child will be ready for ordering tasks.