Measurement Activity Box, Playing With Imperial & Metric Measurement With Kids

Xander is very familiar with measurement is basic terms.  He has used a ruler, measuring tapes and meter sticks for various things helping out with building projects etc. 

These measurement boxes and unit are to give him a more in depth understanding of Imperial and Metric measurement, and history.

There are many books out there - in this post I included a couple of books we will be using.  I also really like this history of measurement explanation and this page. I found this site interesting, and this was great. This is a really great video.  This is an amazing Sid the Science Kid episode featuring non standard measurement.

These are the measurement kits I put together that were inspired by this blog.

I have an Imperial and Metric box.

This is a set of nomenclature cards for various tools of measurement I made these from google images. We will get into history,  books and so forth at this point.

Measurement vocabulary cards from Montessori for Everyone below are offered as a FREE download there is an imperial set also below.

We created a wooden set of rulers from simple stock molding.  The purpose was to keep the focus completely on the units of measurement. I wanted him to focus on the individual units of measure, and be able to see and feel each dimension without distraction.

The set of cards below are from Montessori for Learning, as are their counterparts below.  I will have him make his measurements using our blocks to measure, and again he can do these with a ruler later.

These cards (as well the worms below) were cut out from work sheets I found from this measurement unit on pinterest.

There are photos of easy to find objects that Xander will choose from to find and estimate the measure.  He can use our wooden set to make the measurement. 

I found this site to print rulers.  Yes you can pick up rulers at the dollar store, but I like these because they isolate metric and centimetres only.  The idea is that as we go he will see the need for the unit to be broken down even further.

These are simple card stock laminated with answer cards. This idea is from here.

Straws cut at various lengths.  They could also be estimated, and then actual is recorded.

Abbreviation matching cards from Montessori for Learning, as well as the Measurement Scenario and Measurement & Tool card sets . He will record these in his journal.

This is a set of activity/command cards I created with basic measurements for Xander to complete.  He can write out the card in his journal, and record the measurement.

This is the imperial measurement box, and basically everything you see here is replicated from the above box.

Command cards I created.

Here Xander can explore the different units, and answer some of his questions feet in a yard etc.

 We're pretty excited to get started!! There are many activities here that could be started much earlier, and I will with Miss Ava.  Sid The Science Kid's video about non standard measurement is amazing.  We did do these types of activities with Xander, but it will be fun to repeat some versions including his sister.

Thanks for visiting with us!

Visit Cherine Making Montessori Ours's profile on Pinterest.

Please visit and "like" for updates on our

Facebook Page! We share photos and 

updates of what we are up to there!

We love to hear from you!!

If you have any questions for us comment... ASK!!

Visit us on Pinterest as well!!

Don't forget to check out our Montessori 

Printables here!!

Subscribe to Making Montessori Ours to get all of our

latest updates by email & Subscribers FREE Printable List.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

 I shared this post with Living Montessori Now - Montessori Monday Link Up 

http://livingmontessorinow.com/2012/09/10/montessori-monday-diy-number-rods-and-alternatives/