Making Math Fun with a Long & Short Lunch

Sometimes, you just need to think outside the box.

When Lira was learning to measure using a ruler and the boys were learning the difference between long and short, I decided to give the children a long and short lunch. Don’t scratch your head and look at me strange.

Here is how it works ~

You will need:

• Foods of different lengths (We had hot dogs, tomatoes, carrots, popcorn, and pickles.)
• A clean ruler for each child

Prepare the various foods you have selected and give each child a ruler. Show the children the difference between centimeters and inches and point out that the numbers count up from one.

Allow the children to play with the rulers, measuring their food.

Ask questions like:

• What is the longest food on your plate?
• How long is it?
• What is the shortest food on your plate?
• How short is it?
• What is the difference between the longest and shortest food? (for older children)
• When you take a bite, does it get longer or shorter?
• What is the difference in inches before you took a bite and after? (for older children)

What are some fun ways you teach measuring with a ruler?