Non Standard Measurement Activities {Hands-On FUN!}

By A Plus TeacherOn July 25, 2019August 22, 2019

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

Before kids are introduced 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 popsticks, 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

Non Standard Measurement Activities For Measuring Length, Mass & Capacity

Here are some activities to get you started. Signup to get the Resources! Members Login To Access The Downloads.

Ordering & Comparing Capacity Full -Empty Milkshakes

Ordering & Comparing Capacity Full -Empty- Jelly Beans

Ordering & Comparing Capacity Full -Empty- Drink Bottles

Comparing Heavy & Light Craft Activity

Comparing Heavy & Light Math Center

Length Task Cards Kit 6 - Broken Rulers

Length Task Cards Kit 7 -Comparing Mass

Non Standard Measurement Task Cards 3- Length

Measurement Task Cards Kit 4 - Direct Comparison LENGTH

Measurement Task Cards Kit 5 - Direct Comparison MASS/Weight

Measurement Task Cards Kit - Angles

24 measuring length task cards using informal non standard units. These task cards work well in a center or as a whole class game of "SCOOT" instructions are included. The cards include images of classroom or school items that the students are familiar with. The focus of this task is starting & ending points, and each object is placed mid way on an informal ruler. Your students will learn how to measure the object not count how many units.

Non Standard Measurement Posters _ Length

Non Standard Measurement Task Cards 1- Length

Non Standard Measurement Task Cards 2- Length

Measuring Mats & Informal Units Rulers Kit 1

We created our task cards to fit into the portable photo keeper storage system, that our fans recommended to us. You can see this and more essential classroom resources on our Amazon Shop.