7 Measurement Activities for Small Groups Using Materials You Already Have

Coming up with hands-on activities for small groups does not have to be stressful. I’m a huge fan of using materials you already have to create engaging student activities! Today, I’m going to share with you 7 of my top measurement activities for small groups! The best part is that these ideas won’t break the bank! If you like these lesson ideas, be sure to download your Small Group Activity Guide to have to reference to at a later time!

Measurement Activities for Small Groups

Whenever I’m introducing a new concept to my students, I always do so by creating an anchor chart. I think it’s important to create a large one together as a class whole group, and then have your students create a mini one inside of their math journals. This way each student has their own individual copy to reference to whenever needed. Let’s dive into these hands-on measurement activities for small groups!

1. Pipe Cleaners

Almost all of us have pipe cleaners laying around our craft closets so let’s break out those bad boys for some measuring fun! The first thing you’ll want to do is cut them into various lengths and place them into a tub or container. The next thing you’ll want to do is to provide students with a recording sheet. If you already have my Measurement Unit, you can use the one provided in there or watch this video here to learn how to have students create their own inside of their math journals.

The best part of this hands-on activity is that it can be easily differentiated. Start by having students estimate the length of the pipe cleaner they pull from their bin and write down their answer. Then have students use a ruler to determine the actual length of it and make record of it inside of their math journal. This can be done using inches or centimeters. Take it a step farther and have students write a sentence to compare the different lengths.

2. Measuring Around the Room

This is an oldie but a goodie and can be used with all types of measurement from non-standard to inches and centimeters! Grab random school supplies that you have laying around your room. If you’ve ever played Scoot, I like to set this activity up similar to that! I place one item in various spots around the room and have students rotate to each item.

Once they get to each item, they have to estimate the length first and then measure the object using their ruler. You can use objects such as a stapler, Flair pens, or a Whiteboard eraser. After students have estimated and measured, they will then record their results on their recording sheet or in their math journal.

3. Playdough Measurement

Playdough measurement is a classroom favorite! Each student will need a can of Playdough and a partner. Partner 1 will make a snake out of the Playdough. You the teacher, can tell them when to stop otherwise they will try to make the longest snake in the history of the world!!

Simply watch a timer for a few seconds as they are rolling and when you say stop, Partner 2 will estimate the length of their snake. Both students will then measure the length and record the results. Have partners switch roles and repeats as time allows! 

You can find this hands-on activity, as well as, over 70 more ideas inside of my Small Group Math Activity Guide! This guide has over 30 pages filled with anywhere between 2-5 activities for each 2nd grade math standard!! Simply fill out the form below to have it sent directly to your inbox!

4. Measuring Sentence Strips

Here is another one of my favorite low prep measurement activities for small groups. Start by cutting sentence strips into different lengths and numbering them. Label each strip with a letter or number for recording purposes. I would suggest to keep the lengths of them 12 inches or less. This makes it easier when students are using a ruler to measure them.

Students will estimate what they think the length of each numbered strip is and then use their ruler to measure it out. Have students record their data either on a recording sheet that you provide them or have them create their own. After all the measuring is done, encourage students to find the longest and shortest, as well as create a comparison! Choose certain numbered strips and have students write sentences about each of them.

5. Measuring Body

This one is always fun! Have students pair up. Each group will need a measuring tape. Partners will take turns using the measuring tape to measure each other’s body from head to toe. Then using yarn, they’ll cut a piece that represents the length of their body and then record their measurements. So simple, yet SO much fun!

6. Toolbox Measurement

Grab some tools from the garage and bring them into the classroom for a measurement activity! Place tools around the room such as a hammer, screwdriver, nail, etc…Have them walk around the room estimating each object and then measuring the length in inches or centimeters. If you’re able, you can even assign each student a tool to bring from home.

You can also find a printable version of this activity in my Measurement Guided Math Unit. 

7. Blow, Measure, and Compare

Not only is this one of my favorite measurement activities, but it’s also a fan favorite with students! For this activity, you will need a straw, a pom pom ball, and a recording sheet (or their math journal to create their own).

To begin with, have students blow in their straw to push the pom pom ball across a flat surface. It can be their desk, on the floor, or if it’s a pretty day, take them outside onto the side walk. Tell them they only get one puff or if you’re feeling nice a certain number of puffs. Then, estimate how far the pom pom ball went. After recording their estimation, have students use a ruler or even a yard/meter stick to have them measure how far they blew their pom pom and record their answers. 

To take it a step further, have them write a sentence to compare various lengths!

As you can see, there are endless measurement activities for small groups! Students love to participate in engaging activities that are outside of the normal worksheets so don’t be afraid to try some of these ideas!

You can try a FREE sample lesson plan from my measurement guided math units for 1st-3rd grade and see for yourself how fun and effective hands-on activities are!

You can also find some of these activities in action on my YouTube channel.

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