How Big Is Your Bedroom? An Activity to Boost Measurement Skills

Kids love learning as it relates to the world around them, which is why this activity brings measurement skills home!

Begin by asking your child to estimate the length and the width of his bedroom. Have him estimate the dimensions in feet, instead of inches, and discuss why this is a more appropriate unit to use for estimation.

Now, it's time to measure up! Give your child a yardstick and a ruler. How is the one-inch measurement divided into fractional parts, such as ¼, ½, and ¾ ? Ask him to show you where the ¼ inch mark is on the ruler. Help your child measure the length and width of his bedroom with a yardstick or a ruler to the nearest ¼ inch.

Discuss this measurement activity with your child. When was it better to use the ruler, and when should you have used the yardstick? Then go back to your child's estimate and compare it with the exact measurement. Was his estimate reasonable? Ask your child to predict when an exact measurement of the dimensions of his bedroom would be more appropriate than an estimate.

Providing reasonable estimates and knowing how to measure accurately are skills your child will use for a lifetime!