Teaching Measurement
So they will Understand it!

Measurement is not an easy task for students to understand. As a result teaching measurement is neither easy nor straightforward.

Measurement, like any other area of math, is not simply the knowledge of measurement facts. Printing charts such as a liquid measuremnt chart is not helping your child understand measurement. It is simly giving them the answer.

Comprehension is essential.

If you are still in the decision making process as to whether your child needs a professional tutor, or if you should home tutor, use the information available at the parent center to help you decide.

Understanding the concept of measurement depends on your childs level of familiarity with the unit of measurement being used. Start with informal units.

Do not confuse units of measurement with measurement attributes.

To assist your child to understand the concept of measurement, there are a number of steps to take.

Step 1: Make Comparisons.
Step 2: Use models of units.
Step 3: Make and use measuring instruments.

Informal units should be used at all grade levels when a new attribute is introduced, such as angle measurement.

While teaching measurement, keep in mind, the objective is to have your child fully understand its concept and to use standard units of measurement with ease.

Standard units, however, should not be used until measurement comprehension is achieved.

There are many measurement activities you can participate in with your child at home, using already available material. There is no need for expensive aids. However if you would like to use different types of manupilatives available, consider making your own first!

Measurement, in some area, is used by all of us every day. The price of a galon of fuel. How many tiles to cover the wall? The perimeter of your garden. The length of your childs track run!

Teaching measurement can be tricky as it is just one of those areas that become so familiar to us as adults, it is difficult to know where to start.

Exposing our child, and perhaps yourself, to some of the history of measurement may prove very useful in your endeavors. Who is responsible for the metric system of measurement?

A great activity is to have your child find different objects in your house that can be measured in different ways, by using all measurement attributes! Don't forget to include younger or older members of the family in this activity. Teaching measurement through fun games and activities can be great fun for all the family!

How many different units of measurement can they use? You will be amazed at what they find.

Have them record the results in their math journal and perhaps use the information for an algebra exercise!

Consider doing a project about one of the mathematicians you discover along your measurement history road.

This is a great activity for any child who is interested in research. You will be amazed at what they learn, when they start to do the ‘information digging’ themselves.

And what a great math journal they will have, full of interesting facts and pictures. Math will start to come alive for them. This in itself is invaluable, and will contribute to a lifetime of math enjoyment.