Measurement-Data and Common Core Standards
In addition to working with numbers, kindergarten students should also be introduced to measurement and data. As students work to meet three standards of Measurement and Data, they note measurable attributes such as length and weight, make comparisons, as well as sort and categorize information. Through exploration in these areas students gather, organize, analyze, and interpret information about the world around them.
There are some great books to get you and your students going. with my affiliate links.
STEM Center
If you haven't tried a full-blown science or in this case STEM center before, try setting up a center on measurement. Start simple with some rice and measuring cups, then build from there. Over the years I have accumulated materials from Lakeshore and others, but regular every-day measuring items for the center are easy to find.
The cornerstone for learning in kindergarten is formed by hands-on investigations. This is especially true in STEM. Touching, moving, and manipulating objects helps students gain a better understanding of mathematical concepts.
Take measurement for example. Most workbooks adequately address length, weight, and volume, but students gain a deeper and more complete understanding of these measurable attributes when given an opportunity to measure, weigh and examine volume with measuring tools.
Set up your area with a variety of standard and non-standard tools. Rulers, measuring tapes, craft sticks, and/or linking cubes are all effective means for measuring length. A balance and a tub of classroom objects allows students to compare objects by weight. A tub of colored macaroni and a set of measuring cups is a great way to learn more about volume.
Hands-on activities are engaging and interesting to students. “Discovering” the answer is exciting and satisfying to young learners. Whether the hands-on exploration is guided or independent, you will find that it enhances student learning.
Supporting Curriculum
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The lessons vary in style and format. Many lessons can be used with small groups while others can be completed with a large group. All lessons can be adapted to support struggling students or to challenge high-achieving students. It can also be found on TPT.
For some great cross-curricular thematic fun, enjoy the measuring lessons found in our comprehensive thematic unit, Giants, Trolls and the Big Bad Wolf.
Also available at Teachers Pay Teachers!
Product Description
Folk Tales Thematic Unit is strategically linked to academic Core Standards. Add authentic learning to your curriculum by using this fun unit, starting Giants, Trolls & The Big Bad Wolf! It is divided into areas of literature, music, art, literacy, math, science, creative writing, word wall, and guided reading. The activities are clearly written, easy to use, and need limited amounts of preparation.
Table of Contents
Songs/Fingerplays
This Little Piggy
The Big Bad Wolf
Literacy Activities
Up the Beanstalk: Writing Simple Words
The Three Little Pigs: Decoding CVC Words
Shake Little Piggy: Reading & Writing Sight Words
Big Bad Bingo: Identifying and Matching Consonant Digraphs
Cross The Bridge: Relating Verbs & Adjectives to Opposites
Shared Reading Whole Group Activities:
Identifying Story Elements
Beginning, Middle, End: Story Structure
Math Activities
Measuring-- Tall or Short: Comparing Size By Length
Measuring Giants and Trolls: Comparing Size
Giants, Trolls & Wolves, Oh My! Writing Numerals
Going To Grandma's House: Counting Forward From Any Given Number 1-100
Art Projects
Cooperative Giant
Shape Giant
Billy Goat Hat
Puppets: Story Retelling
Science Projects
The Giant's Eyes: Using Scientific Tools
Writing
Word Wall
If I Met a Giant!
Up the Beanstalk?
The Big Bad Wolf
Guided Reading Books
The Little Pigs
Or, find it here at TPT.
“Used it last year in May, and my students (kindergartners) loved every activity in this unit! Very engaging and fun! Planning on using it again this year. Thanks!”
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“This unit is AWESOME!!!!! Thank you so much for including CC standards with these fantastic activities! Great, great purchase!!!!!”