April Showers Bring Measurement?

Measurement is a crucial aspect of lesson planning that often goes overlooked. It provides educators with valuable insights into student learning and progress, allowing them to make informed decisions about instructional strategies and interventions. By incorporating measurement into lesson planning, teachers can ensure that their students are meeting the desired learning outcomes and are able to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Needing a new idea for a measurement lesson?  How about a new spring bulletin board?  Perhaps something that combines them both?  Score!

I am definitely one for working smarter and not harder. As I was contemplating what I would put up for the April classroom bulletin board, I realized that I could actually use it for double duty!

How about a bulletin board display that also encouraged learning – and not just a place to hang student work or place my cute umbrella border?  {It really is a cute border, I know.}  But I really wanted something that wasn’t just taking up space to take it up.  Classroom walls come at a premium for most teachers already.

So I sat down and created something that you could use for curriculum AND it has the added bonus of making a fun-to-look-at classroom decor spring display.  Even if you don’t have a dedicated bulletin board in the classroom, I have a workaround for that too with the portable board idea below.  Keep reading!

Measurement Bulletin Board Idea

Hopefully the spring thaw is on its way and to get you in the mood, I wanted to stop by and mention my  interactive bulletin board:  April Showers Measurement!

Need something cute for spring, yet also a learning experience for your K/1 students?  This interactive bulletin is just what you were looking for!  It has everything included and is specifically used to target the following Common Core State Standards:

• K.MD.1 Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Describe several measurable attributes of a single object.
• K.MD.2 Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has “more of”/“less of” the attribute, and describe the difference. For example, directly compare the heights of two children and describe one child as taller/shorter.
• 1.MD.1 Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.
• 1.MD.2  Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps.

Of course, you can always re-create what you see below on your own no problem!  If you want to save yourself time and energy though, feel free to keep reading more about what I have listed for you.

With 56 pages in total and best suited for grades K-1, this file includes the following:

• Bulletin board borders
• Week and Day Labels
• Large Daily Task Questions
• Weekly Student Answer Sheets
• Bulletin Board Header Letters
• Envelope Labels for the Student Answer Sheets

Choosing the Right Measurement Tools for Your Lesson

When it comes to measurement in lesson planning, there are various tools available to educators. These tools can range from traditional assessments such as quizzes and tests to more innovative approaches like project-based assessments or performance tasks. It is essential for teachers to select the appropriate tool based on the specific learning objectives and the needs of their students.

One important consideration when choosing a measurement tool is alignment with the desired learning outcomes. The tool should effectively measure what students are expected to know and be able to do. For example, if the objective is to assess problem-solving skills, a multiple-choice test may not be the most suitable option. Instead, a performance task that requires students to apply their problem-solving skills in a real-world context would be more appropriate.

Additionally, teachers should consider the practicality and feasibility of the measurement tool. Factors such as time constraints, available resources, and the number of students should be taken into account. It is important to choose a tool that can be administered efficiently and effectively within the given constraints.

Incorporating Real-World Examples to Enhance Measurement Skills

One effective way to enhance measurement skills is by incorporating real-world examples into lessons. Real-world examples provide students with opportunities to apply their measurement skills in authentic contexts, making the learning experience more engaging and meaningful.

By using real-world examples, teachers can help students see the relevance of measurement in their everyday lives. For example, in a math lesson on measurement, students could measure ingredients while baking cookies or calculate distances while planning a road trip. These real-life scenarios not only make the learning experience more enjoyable but also help students understand how measurement is used in practical situations.

Incorporating real-world examples also allows for the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are challenged to analyze and interpret data, make connections between different concepts, and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. This not only deepens their understanding of measurement but also prepares them for future challenges they may encounter outside the classroom.

Creating Engaging Measurement Activities for Students

Engaging measurement activities are essential for capturing students’ interest and promoting active participation in the learning process. When students are engaged, they are more likely to retain information, apply their knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of measurement concepts.

One tip for creating engaging measurement activities is to make them hands-on and interactive. Provide students with opportunities to manipulate objects, use measuring tools, and solve real-world problems. For example, instead of simply asking students to convert units of measurement on a worksheet, create a scavenger hunt where students have to measure different objects in the classroom or school and convert their measurements.

Another tip is to incorporate games and competitions into measurement activities. Students love a friendly challenge, and incorporating games can make learning more enjoyable and motivating. For example, create a measurement relay race where students have to measure different objects and record their measurements accurately and quickly.

Differentiating Measurement Lessons for Diverse Learners

Differentiating measurement lessons is essential to meet the needs of diverse learners. Students have different learning styles, abilities, and prior knowledge, and it is important to provide them with appropriate support and challenges.

One way to differentiate measurement lessons is by providing multiple entry points or levels of difficulty. Offer different versions of measurement activities or assignments that cater to different skill levels or learning needs. For example, provide additional support materials or scaffolding for struggling students, while offering extension activities or challenges for advanced learners.

Another way to differentiate is by using a variety of instructional strategies and materials. Some students may benefit from visual representations, while others may prefer hands-on activities or verbal explanations. By using a combination of strategies and materials, teachers can engage all learners and provide them with multiple ways to understand and apply measurement concepts.

Portable Bulletin Board Solution

I mentioned earlier that I had a solution for those who don’t have a permanent bulletin board in the classroom to use for this project and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it before.

Use a science fair tri-fold project board.

I used one in my example pictures above in fact.

They come in tons of different colors, they can sit atop an extra table or along the window shelf, and you can easily fold them up and lean it against a wall to stash it if more room is needed.

Use sticky tack and command hooks to add your elements to the board (or even small thumbtacks) and the board itself can be reused throughout the entire school year.  Pretty sweet, right?

This bulletin board set pretty much has everything already ready for you – and I adore the umbrellas and galoshes!  There are seriously so cute to look at throughout the day.

Again, if you want to create your own version, I always encourage you to feel free to do so if it saves you some pennies in the classroom.

But, if you prefer to save that time and spend it with your family instead, I have done the hard work already for you.  What a fun bulletin board to have up when your students return from their holiday weekend if you have a later Spring Break than most.

Would you like a head start on creating your bulletin board? Download the bulletin board border and header title pages below! Enjoy!

Click here to email your freebie

Here’s to thinking spring!

~Charity