Teaching Units of Measurement

Standard: 

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.1

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.2

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.3

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.4

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.1

Objective: 

   When I was in elementary school, one topic I had difficulty grasping was measurement. Thinking back, I don't understand why I had difficulty grasping such an easy topic.  There could be numerous reasons.  The only reason I can think of is that the teachers did not decipher one measurement from the other clearly and concisely.  They focused on all at them at once.  As we all know, this type of teaching can be overwhelming to all students.  So, I have decided to revisit units of Measurements.  I would particularly like to focus on the unit of measurement for the second and third grades.  If I were teaching this lesson, or should I say when there are many things I would do differently to make it engaging for my students.   One thing that I would do is I would choose a book that relates to units of measurement. (See pics below)

Lesson: 

   

I would have the children sit in a circle around me and once the story is complete, I would like to discuss the book and ask an essential question, "Why is measuring Important?"  

By providing my students with this essential question allows them to gain a deeper understanding of why learning to measure is so important in life.  Then I would ask them another question "What are some tools we use to measure with?"  This will allow me to hear what my students know and what they have to say about measurement tools.  Also, I can provide actual tools to show to the class.  This will provide students with visuals and tangible items for those who are visual and kinesthetic learners.  

Mini Lesson/Activity: 

Once we are done with the meeting time discussion, we will return to our desks and I will provide them with a hands-on lesson that will engage them and provide a deeper level of understanding because they will be physically measuring gummy worms.  (After they complete this task, I will provide them with gummies to eat).

This task will allow my students to recall previous knowledge of addition and subtraction (if they measure too much).  They will be able to draw an actual diagram of their worms to scale, which they will then present to classmates.

Activity 2

      Once my students master measurement using cm, meters, feet, and yards, I will move forward and teach my students the next unit of measurement quart, pint, and cups through the use of Gallon Man. 

I will have each of my students make their own Gallon Man use at school and at home.  

Reflection: 
As a future educator, I am trying to find ways to make math fun for my future students.  I want to make it realistic for them.  I know first hand how daunting math can be for some students, especially for those students that struggle, like myself.  I want to keep my students engaged. I believe students learn best from incorporating their learning styles as opposed to a lesson being procedural.  I believe that lessons should have a combination of learning styles and procedural methods incorporated into the lesson in order for it to be fun and engaging for all students.  Imagine being a student that just sits at their desk and listens to the teacher teach the lesson.  Kind of boring, right?  I grew up hearing from my teachers that learning is fun!  At the time, I used to think to myself what is so fun about learning.  Nowadays, I observe all the resources teachers are provided and wonder why couldn't I have this when I was in school.  Then,  I think to myself, oh when I become a teacher the fun I will have teaching!!!