FS2 Measuring Adventures: Chalk Bodies, Tiny Hands & Big Feet!

This week in FS2, our children became mini–mathematicians and creative explorers as they investigated size, length, and measurement using the most familiar tools of all — their own bodies!

We began our learning outdoors, where the children worked in pairs to draw chalk outlines of each other on the playground floor. Once the length of their bodies were drawn, the real fun began. The children compared their chalk drawings, noticing: the size, and shape.

After exploring their chalk outlines, the children learned that we can measure using non‑standard units — objects that aren’t rulers or tape measures but still help us compare length.

They used:

  • Hand spans to measure the length of their chalk bodies
  • Foot steps to count how many “feet” long their outline was

This helped them understand an important mathematical idea: non-standard units give different results depending on who is measuring. A perfect example of mathematical thinking wrapped in humour and friendship.