In grade 1 and 2, children are introduced to the concept of area. The learning goal of the activities I prepare for them is for them to measure the surfaces of objects using non-standard units of measure and in class I usually offer them math manipulatives such as pattern blocks and interlocking cubes. Parents, however, do not have these resources at home so I had to be a little creative with my task when planning a lesson for my students to do at home.
The curriculum does not state precisely what unit of measure children are to use, so I instructed the children to use a household object. I showed them an example that I did in which I used forks:

In addition, I gave my students the sentence starter to use when they wrote down their response. Translated, the sentence states: I measured a(name of object). The surface of the (name of object) is (number used) (name of household object used).
I liked seeing my students’ innovative choices of units.

Food played a role in some responses:

As did the games they play with:

Other responses included the use of business cards, Lego, and toilet paper rolls (I loved this one!).
I am sure these children will not forget what it is to measure the surface area of an object – even when thy have to use standardised units of measure in the higher grades.
What would you use to measure the surface of an area?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2020
(This post is linked to Becky’s Square Challenge. During the month of April, we are challenged to share photos featuring #squaretops)
A terrific and creative exercise for your students – measuring with potatoes is my new thing!
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It would definitely be useful in the kitchen John 😀
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A great idea, Colline 🙂 🙂 Possibly wine glasses- not at all a suitable subject for your charges!
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An excellent idea Jo – maybe they could use juice cups 😀
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🤣🤣
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