A Lesson Well Done

This week I have taken control of the classroom and have become a full-on teacher to 29 students. I started my unit on measurement today and it went fantastic! I am only focusing on non-standard measurement and indirect measurement this week just to get the kids to understand the concept. I started out with an exercise that the kids had to complete all on their own. I wanted them to use some part of their body to measure the distance from the building we are in to the flag pole, but they could not in any way use a ruler. Without giving them any other directions, I let them go. I was very surprised to see how "into it" they were. However, they did all look like zombies walking towards the flag pole slowly and putting one foot directly in front of the other. After they did the exercise, they came back in and answered some thinking questions on their own about how accurate they thought they were. I then brought the whole group together and discussed their findings of measuring the distance from the building to the flag pole. I was amazed at how confident they were in their way of measuring, yet they had a look on their face like there was more to the exercise. I pointed out to them that some students started from a different starting point of the building. I also pointed out that their classmates have different sized feet. I could see the light bulb turn on and how they were starting to realize that there is more to measurement than just using your feet and hands. To elaborate on accuracy of measurement, I provided them with a few different classroom items (popsicle sticks, paperclips, toothpicks, and counting blocks) that they would use to measure the length of their desk. They were allowed to use any of the given items, but must line each up correctly to be precise. A majority of the class chose the counting blocks because they would connect together and would stay in a straight line. I only had one use the paperclips and the rest of the class used the popsicle sticks - no one used the toothpicks. After they measured their own desk, they were to find a partner that used the same measuring tool and compare results, and then they had to find a partner that used a different measuring tool and make some observations about that as well. I was in awe of the way they worked with one another. Usually they get off task and start picking small fights with one another. As the students were focused in their work, I walked around to observe. The questions I got let me know that they were thinking outside of the box. After all the exercises were completed, I brought the class back together again to review from the day's work. They all grasped the fact that when using an object other than a ruler to measure, you want to use something that is easy to read and keep track of. They also understood the importance of accuracy when measuring. They were even asking questions about future measurement lessons and what they were going to learn next. I was so proud of my Year 4's! And don't worry, I provided ample positive reinforcement! This is why you teach - you get to watch kids understand things and grow in their thinking right in front you and know that you were a part of their success!