You’ve got to try this nonstandard measurement with blocks activity!
If you have a preschooler, chances are they will line objects up in a long line. – This is a nonstandard measurement, and we can use blocks to explore this even further.
Your preschooler is beginning to measure!
Let’s hop on this observation and set up a nonstandard measurement play prompt to explore measuring length!
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What is a nonstandard measurement math tool?
Nonstandard measurement is using untraditional tools to measure.
Many of these nonstandard objects you may already have in your home. Grasping these small objects and placing them on paper will help with pencil grip and strengthen small hand muscles.
- Wooden lacing blocks – shown here
- Painter’s tape
- Dot stickers
- Any stickers
- Magnetic tiles
- Paper clips
- Coins
- Beans
- Glass globs
- Pasta
- Pinecones
- Counting bears
- Duplo or Mega Bloks
- Pencils
- LEGO
- Feet
- Sneakers
- Ribbon
Are you thinking about what I am thinking about this math activity? You can do this nonstandard measurement with your preschooler today!
RELATED: Grasping each one of these objects listed above helps improve fine motor strength!
Nonstandard measurement is fun for kids!
As the parent, my job is to guide my four-year-old’s play into placing the blocks on the line to explore nonstandard measurement and length.
In his eyes, he is playing! He is making predictions about how many blocks are on each line and counting as he goes.
When we think about preschool play, it is pretty simple to get kids started.
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Setting up this nonstandard measurement activity takes minutes!
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Tape your white paper to the table.
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Using your ruler, draw lines with different lengths.
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PRO TIP: Add a green dot to the left and a red dot to the right. These marks will remind your preschooler to work left to right.
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Place your blocks to the left of the paper.
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Simple nonstandard measurement supply list
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- White paper roll – we use this one!
- Markers – I keep a set for myself as well.
- Colored blocks
Try these math conversation starters with your preschooler!
Which line of blocks is the longest? – How can you tell?
Which line of blocks is the shortest? – How can you tell?
Let’s count the blocks in each row. See this? You said this line is your longest, and it has 16 blocks. You said this row of blocks was your shortest line. It has 9 blocks. 16 is a larger number than 9.
Simple unformal chats like this will help preschoolers build on prior knowledge!
When will you play this nonstandard measurement activity?
