Jump into this preschool non-standard magnetic measurement activity and introduce non-standard measurement using magnetic tiles. Measurement is an essential skill that can be practiced now and will have a significant impact later. Plus, it’s fun!
So grab those magnetic tiles, and let’s start learning through play.
RELATED: Curious about where to start? Start here with our Startup Guide to Breakfast Invitations.
Why do we measure on the ground?
We have been doing Breakfast Invitations for over five years now. (How is that possible?!) To keep children learning, we have to keep play prompts fresh.
Isn’t that true for us adults as well? Although I enjoy the same Venti Green Tea at the coffee shop, I also enjoy visiting new locations around the area—same drink, different view.
Your preschooler can do the same activity in many ways!
We must consider how we can use a vertical surface, such as the floor or the tabletop, and, most importantly, incorporate movement into the preschool activities we are implementing.
Preschool non-standard measurement activities are done best when they allow children the space to place objects and move.
RELATED: Let’s talk math! Here are my favorite preschool math activities that kids adore.
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games that begin the day with play.
What is non-standard measurement?
Non-standard measurement is measuring with objects. Often, these objects are everyday items such as paper clips, shoes, pencils, wooden blocks, and magnetic tiles. Introducing non-standard measurement is the first step for toddlers and preschoolers to begin exploring length.
Children learning under the Common Core Standards directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common to see which object has “more of”/”less of” the object and describe the difference. We can introduce this in our home in the early years with this magnetic measurement activity.
Measurement is also the foundation of making comparisons.
Preschoolers can practice measurement by finding faster/slower, taller/shorter, bigger/smaller, and lighter/heavier. This preschool measurement activity focuses on length along with quantity.
The more we measure now, the more we can prepare our preschoolers for collecting data and finding relationships in comparisons later on.
Why is movement necessary for kids?
According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity is a severe problem in the United States, putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high.
Another reason we need to keep our kids active and stimulate learning is hands-on play and practice! And if you are new here, you will quickly see that indoor activities don’t have to mean worksheets.
And luck should have it. I also have a super fun list of gross motor activities my boys have a blast with.
RELATED: Want to build a magnetic wall? I have all the details on how!
Setting up this measurement activity is simple!
- First, place your painter’s tape at a variety of lengths.
- Once your lines are placed, measure out your magnetic tiles to ensure you have enough. If preschoolers do not have enough for all three or four lines simultaneously, they can reuse magnetic tiles for each line.
- Finally, place a small piece of paper at the end of each line for your preschooler or you to write the total amount.
RELATED: Oh, and don’t worry. I have 25 more unexpected ways to use painter’s tape!
Materials
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PRO TIP: I used the delicate painter’s tape for hardwood floors.
Magnetic Tiles
Connetix is my favorite brand. The magnetic tiles are held together with rivets to secure them, and the colors are beautiful.
When will you practice magnetic measurement with your preschooler?
More Measurement
And that’s not all! I know your family will enjoy these three more non-standard measurement activities for preschoolers.
