Explore Early measurement with these fun Non-Standard Measurement activities for kids. These hands-on math activities make learning to measure length, mass and capacity a breeze!

Before kids are introduced to Standard Measurement using rulers and measuring tapes they need to understand what measuring is all about. To build deep understanding of the measurement process and the skills needed to measure accurately kids need to practice measuring using informal non-standard units like pop sticks, paper clips and blocks.

So what is nonstandard measurement?

Non-standard measurement is using an informal unit to measure objects. It’s used by students in Foundation Stage, Kindergarten, Nursery, Reception and Year 1. The purpose of non-standard measurement is to focus the child on key measuring skills rather than reading tricky scaled instruments. Non-Standard measurement helps kids learn to:

• select the right tool to measure the object being measured
• select the same unit and not different units when measuring an object
• measure without gaps or overlaps
• start and end the measuring in the right spots
• measure it straight
• be precise