Activity Overview:

Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: A long piece of ribbon or string, everyday objects to measure (spoon, book, shoe), paper and pencil
What: Your child measures household objects using a piece of ribbon or string as a repeated unit, laying it end-to-end and counting how many times it fits.
Why: Measuring means using the same unit over and over and counting how many fit. This hands-on activity builds that understanding while connecting to everyday counting skills your child already has.

How to do it:

1. Pick a unit. Cut or choose a piece of ribbon or string about 4-6 inches long. This is your measuring unit.
2. Choose objects. Find 3-5 things around the house to measure: a spoon, a book, a shoe, a pillow.
3. Measure. Lay your ribbon along the object from one end. Mark where it ends, then move it to start there again. Count how many times it fits.
4. Record. Write or draw each object and its measurement: “The spoon is 2 ribbons long.”
5. Compare. Which object was longest? Shortest? How many ribbons longer is the book than the spoon?

Tips:

Make sure there are no gaps or overlaps when moving the ribbon. This is the trickiest part for kids to get right.
Ask: “What if we used a longer piece of ribbon? Would the number be bigger or smaller?”

For more family math activities, go to familymath.org