Today is rung 6 of 8 on this topic
Measuring, and reading a simple graph
Can do: Measures length with a ruler starting at zero, and reads and makes a picture graph or bar chart.
Why it matters
Measuring is where number meets the physical world, and a graph is the first time a child sees data answering a question.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Starts measuring at the end of the ruler rather than the zero, and reads a bar chart by counting bars instead of reading the scale.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"Measure this pencil." Then show any simple bar chart: "Which has the most? How many more than that one?"
Solid looks like: A measurement starting at zero, and a correct comparison including the difference.
The full activity for this topic · 15 minutes
Measure and Chart
- 1Measure five things and write the results in a list.
- 2Line the results up in order, shortest to longest.
- 3Now count something instead — cars by colour out of the window, socks by colour.
- 4Draw a bar for each category on squared paper, one square per item.
- 5Ask three questions off the chart: most, least, and how many more.
If it's too hard
Measure in whole blocks or paperclips before using a ruler.
If it's too easy
Ask a question about the total, or about two categories combined.
Say this
"Line the zero up with the very end — not the edge of the ruler, the zero."