Studies show that even up into middle school, measurement misconceptions are rampant. For years I thought my kids understood how to use rulers. It wasn't until the past three or four years that I discovered the misconceptions. They're easily hidden unless we dig a little deeper.
I've been working on fixing the issue. I've shared some strategies I'm trying on previous posts. Read about one of those strategies here. After you do, what I'm sharing below will make more sense.
Here are some additional opportunities for kids to practice measuring when the object is not lined up at zero. What if we move the zero to another spot on the ruler? Can they still measure that object? If so, they understand how a ruler and units work.
Measuring is pretty tricky for six year olds!
ReplyDeleteI'm pinning this! Thanks for sharing.
Grade ONEderful
Barbara Leyne Designs
Barb, so true! At least I finally feel like I'm figuring out how to best help them. :)
DeleteHi Tammy! Thanks so much for the freebie. It does take some investigation sometimes to understand how our littles are confused about measurement. It is one of those things that we think should be "easy" but have to remember that we once had to learn it as well!
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Crystal, yep sometimes their misconceptions are hidden unless we dig a bit deeper or come at problems from various angles.
DeleteGreat freebie! Your students are so lucky to have a teacher like you that takes the time to dig deeper into their misconceptions and help them figure it out!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, thank you for thinking so. It only took me about 15 years. :)
Deletemuy bueno
ReplyDelete