Kindergarten: Learning to Measure With Fourth-Grade Buddies
Kindergarteners recently partnered with their fourth-grade buddies for an introduction to non-standard units of measurement. To begin, each kindergartner was traced on a large sheet of paper with help from their older partner.
Buddy pairs then used markers, blocks, and other classroom materials to measure the length of the outlines. As students counted how many items long each traced body was, they explored how everyday objects can serve as units of measurement.
Through this activity, kindergarteners practiced key early math skills: understanding that measurement tells “how long” something is by counting units placed end to end; using one-to-one correspondence by lining objects up carefully without gaps or overlaps; and recognizing why it’s important to use the same unit for the whole measurement. Working alongside their fourth-grade buddies supported communication and problem-solving, giving kindergarteners a meaningful and engaging introduction to non-standard units of measurement.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
