Exploring Measurement in the Early Years

You might have noticed that even very young children apply early concepts of measurement in a lot of everyday engagements. They might compare the size of their toys or the number of biscuits on their plate. You might observe conversations where children discuss which friend or sibling is taller, which melon is heavier or possibly compare the lengths of toy trains. In exploring ways of comparing, they may use non-standard measurement tools such as hands, fingers or footsteps to estimate length, blocks or squares for area, and sand and water for capacity.

They also begin to develop the vocabulary of measurement and comparison, using terms such as longer, shorter, taller, bigger, smaller, wider, heavier, and lighter. Eventually young children’s sense of measurement develops to include new skills. They build on their abilities to compare and learn to order three or more objects. They come to understand that objects can be measured in different ways, depending on the attribute you select. For example, at first they might consider weight and circumference when deciding who has the biggest watermelon. Yet if asked the question which melon is heavier? they come to understand that weight is the best measurement to make that comparison. In this resource we will explore the measurement strand and how it links to an understanding of early math.

Skills You Gain From Measurement and Early Math

Skill 1 : exploring measurement in the early years