This week in the maths session I explored the Measures Strand. Among my key learning points was the 4-stage process involving in measuring.
1. Estimate - Pupils should be encouraged to make a reasonable attempt to estimate a quantity (e.g. length or weight) before they formally measure it.
2. Measure - Pupils can use a variety of tools for measurement. Pupils will initially use non-standard measures (e.g. finger lengths for distance) before progressing to standard measures (e,g. centimeters).
3. Compare - Pupils should then compare their initial estimate with their measurement.
4. Discuss - Pupils will then discuss the difference between these two figures.
The teacher must place the emphasis on the difference between an estimate and an answer; pupils sometimes have difficulties distinguishing between these two concepts.
Pupils must also be guided in considering the reasonableness of their answers.
Over time, pupils will learn how to select the most appropriate measure for a given situation; for example, centimeters might be appropriate for measuring the length of a side of a textbook but metres would be suitable for the length of the school yard.
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