Measuring with the same unit · Ages 7–8
Is 8 longer than 6?
Does your child compare two measurements by their numbers? It isn’t necessarily carelessness: they’re using a rule that works for counting marbles where it no longer works. This free printable helps them ask “8 what?” (a measurement is a number and a unit), with questions instead of corrections, a table, a rug, paper strips and string.
Download the printable (PDF, 2 pages)US Letter size. Print single-sided, at 100% (actual size). Black and white is fine.
Page 1, for you
- Why comparing two measurements by their numbers is a logical idea.
- The key idea, in a simple diagram: the same rope measured as 3 long strips, then as 6 short ones (1 long strip = 2 short strips).
- What is always true (with the same unit, the bigger number really is the longer length), and two details.
- Three questions to ask instead of correcting.
- The activities: a table, a rug, sticky notes, two sheets of paper, string and painter’s tape; scissors for adults only, string put away out of reach of toddlers; give your child only page 2.
- Notes to read after your child has worked it out, and a cut-out slip for a few days later.
Page 2, for your child
- A page with written instructions, which your child fills in.
- Rafa says 8 packages is more than 6 gloves, so the rope is long enough: “Do you agree with Rafa?”
- Seven steps: predict, measure the table with a hand, check, measure the rug, the rope that was too short, explain, then a family challenge.
- A drawing of hands placed end to end along the table, and lines to fill in.
Our videos for parents
This printable goes with the “Measuring with the same unit” episode of “Understand the concept,” our video series for parents. Find our videos on Ludip’s YouTube channel.
Visit Ludip’s YouTube channelLudip: Math & Science Stories
Ludip is a collection of math and science comic series for kids. Every episode tells a story around one concept to understand, then activities invite your child to explore it through play. Ludip is coming to iPhone, iPad and Android.
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