Measurement – Difficulty with Measurement

TutorGiant.com

     Measurement may pose some problems for students because  they have difficulty with converting or conceptualizing units.

     Learning measurement skills might probably easier to teach at home than in the school (granted your child will be willing to learn from you) because there are more real-life, hands on techniques.

     You can help your child learn measurement skills at home by following some of these tips:

·         Make sure that your child first understands ‘measurement’ language.  He should know linear, volume, and area vocabulary that is related to measurement (e.g. pounds, kilograms, millimeter/millimeter, yards, grams...).

·         Obtain a reference sheet (e.g. 12 inches = 1 foot, 100 cm in a m, etc…) and have it handy when you are showing your child how to measure.

·         Find ways whereby your child can apply measurement facts to real-life situations (e.g. renovations, cooking,).

·         Try to teach your child the basic concepts of fractions (if your child is learning fractions in school).  Fraction strips, measuring cups, pizza slices, kit kat bars, and tape measures are good real-life examples of fractions you can use.

·         Start off by having your child use whole number measurements before moving to fractions.  For example, 5 pounds plus 7 pounds, then move to something more difficult such as 5 pounds 3 oz. plus 7 pounds 4 oz. (you can obviously do the same using the metric system).

·         Have your child start learning units of measurement by starting off with small ones and working his way to bigger ones.  This will give your child a better understanding of the relationship between units.  It will also be easier for your child to learn unit conversions later on (e.g. inches before feet, cm before m).

·         Make sure your child is proficient at a level of measurement before moving on to a harder level.

     Try to follow these teaching methods at home as often as you can.  Remember that most students need tangible and concrete methods in order to learn best.

©Tutorgiant.com