Measurement Math Activity

In this weeks class I had the pleasure of demonstrating a grade four or five math activity that could be used in the class to teach the unit of measurement to students. My classmates acted in the role of a grade four or five class and played the activity name banners. The idea of the game is to introduce the concepts of area and perimeters of simple shapes such as squares. Using 1cm squared graph paper the students were asked to write their names down and then calculate the area and perimeter of their name. In the photo below is a demonstration of a name banner that a student may create. The name banner activity is a great way to get students interested and engaged in learning about perimeter and area considering students love activities that are personal or individualized.



Another concept that we discussed in class is that when students can keep track of everything they've tried, they feel like they are making progress. Using charts to keep track of what students have done is a great way to track progress. It is important to reward hard work because the more time students spend on a task the better they get at it. Students must learn to establish a math mindset. Guided Inquiry Lessons are great because they are inquiry based and develop challenging concepts. It is important that what you are teaching is right for the grade level. Read expectations before and up to your grade level to know what they have learned in previous grades. The Minds On portion can be something that is considered review for the students to activate prior knowledge however the lesson should be something new. Consolidation is an important part of the lesson that allows students to discuss what they have learned in the lesson.

 The photo above depicts an activity that allowed students to learn the unit of measurement in groups and not only did it relate to real life but it was also a hands on activity that students could physically grasp the ideas of measurement. Students were able to calculate surface area using the toilet paper tubes and rulers and make connections between the surface area of various shapes.