Inching Along with Measurement

A ruler in the hands of an untrained kiddo is a dangerous pretty much useless tool. Some seem to take to measuring very easily, but for others, lots and lots of practice is called for!

Here's a fun game for practicing using rulers to draw straight lines (a skill on its own, as anyone who's watched a child follow a spiraling ruler can attest to!), as well as drawing lines of a given length.

To play "Don't Cross the Line!", each of your students will need paper, a ruler, and a pencil. Call out
lengths from one to 12 inches. Students will draw a line of that length. The object of the game is to keep drawing lines, but never cross another line. (Okay, it's not actually a game, but they think it is, so they want to keep at it for a long time! Yay, lots of practice!) It's fun to keep interest high by letting them join in with you as you remind them, "Don't cross the line!"

Here are a few ways to vary the game:
For a longer game, use 12X18 paper.
For a more strategic game, use 9X12.
For more fun calling out the lengths, write 1-12 on scraps of paper and allow students to pick from them without peeking.

Need more practice or an assessment for measuring length to the nearest inch? Click to see this set of differentiated printables at my TPT store!

Stop back tomorrow for a great Spring Science Blog Hop!

Happy Teaching!