Today's Tip for Families

10-04-2022

Practice Measuring and Estimating Skills With Your Child

Think of how you use math in your daily life. Sometimes, it's important to get the answer exactly right. You need exactly the right amount of money to buy groceries, for example.

But sometimes, an estimate is good enough. You estimate that you'll probably need about two gallons of paint to paint the bedroom.

Measuring can be a fun way to teach your child both skills—calculating exact amounts and estimating. Make a game of measuring things around the house together.

For example, you could get out the measuring spoons. Ask your child, "How many teaspoons do you think it will take to fill one cup?" Have your child estimate, then check. Or get out a ruler and have your student estimate how long the teaspoon is, then measure it. Then ask, "How many spoons would it take to stretch from one side of the door to the other? What would that be in inches?"

On a day when you are indoors, you can plan a measuring scavenger hunt. Include tasks such as, "Find something that is six inches long."

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

[School Success Ideas for Families]

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