Maths Skills: Measuring with string

This activity will teach children about measurement values. By recording their own measurements and comparing them with others in the family, they will not only have a real-life understanding of what the numbers represent but will also appreciate watching the numbers and themselves grow.

What this activity will develop:
Maths and physical skills

What you'll need: String Scissors Metre stick or tape measure Two different-coloured markers Chart paper

What to do:

Cut a long length of string for each person.

Each person measures his or her height and ties a knot in the string to show the measurement. Colour the knot with a marker.

Choose a partner and measure each other's arm span. Tie a knot to show that measurement, and colour it with the other marker.

Compare the different measurements. Is the height measurement longer or shorter than the arm span measurement?

Use the metre stick or tape measure to convert the measurements to centimetres.

Make a chart listing the height and arm span for each person.

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