Building Measurement Foundations Through Play

At Astor International School, we work hard to develop practical math skills in our primary school students from an early age. Introducing young learners to measurement is a key component of this effort.

While standardised units like centimetres, grams, or litres are essential in the long run, primary classrooms often begin with non-standard units — creative, relatable, and engaging tools like blocks, hand spans, paper clips, or even footsteps. Exploring these units provides a meaningful bridge between real-world experiences and abstract mathematical thinking.

Firstly, it builds a concrete understanding for young learners to understand vocabulary such as ‘length’, ‘width’, ‘height’, ‘weight’ and ‘mass’. Young learners think concretely. By using familiar objects such as unifix cubes, paper clips, and dominoes to measure varying objects, it allows them to develop intuitive ideas about size, length, and quantity.

Furthermore, it is developmentally appropriate for young learners to use concrete objects to develop their conceptual understanding of measurements. Abstract numerical scales like centimeters or litres can be challenging for young minds. Non-standard units allow for active, hands-on learning that suits their cognitive development.

In addition, it allows students to be engaged in the exploration as well as develops creativity. Using fun objects like Lego bricks or teddy bear counters turns measurement into a game, increasing student motivation and participation.

Plus, exploring non-standard units in the classroom builds a foundation for standard units. When children recognize that different objects produce different results (e.g., measuring a desk with pencils vs. paper clips), they begin to understand the need for standardization — an important stepping stone toward formal measurement.

Exploring non-standard units in a primary classroom provides more than just a fun diversion — it's an essential step in building a strong foundation for measurement. Through hands-on activities, real-world connections, and thoughtful reflection, students begin to understand the "why" behind measuring before mastering the "how." By valuing this exploratory stage, educators empower learners to approach mathematics with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of play. This is how Astor helps our students to become creative, lifelong learners.