Barley Measurement - Early Math Play Tub


Instead of a sensory tub and some messy play for the sake of purely playing and having fun. Dimples enjoyed this tactile exploration tub, learning about early math measurement as he played and explored. The concept of measurements and adding was explored through the use of measuring cups and he learnt that even though 2 cups may be different shape, colour and size they can still hold the same amount.
 I used a tub of Pearl Barley that was nearing date, it worked great for pouring and rattled around in the plastic tub. I put 2 x 1 cup scoops in the tub, a large measuring cup that held 2 1/2 cups, a smaller 1/2 cup scoop and a funnel.
First of all we checked all the cups by filling them up, reading what measurement they were and pouring them into the large cup to see if it measured the same. Dimples got the hang of it so I let him explore the materials. He filled all cups up and was quick to realise that they equalled the amount needed to fill the large measuring cup.
After doing some math play, measuring, pouring and experimenting with the different cups he played with the D.I.Y scoop & funnel I made from a soft drink bottle. I simply cut the end off on an angle, made it smooth and it worked perfectly with the pearl barley. He filled the large cup up 2 1/2 cups and poured it through the funnel lifting it high and watching it sift out. As all little scientists do, he explored how to block it, unblock it, use it on an angle, run his fingers under the trickle of barley and of course fill cups up until they overflowed.

I love activities like this.
If I get Dimples started on something and show him the basic concept I can then let him explore himself safely, learning and enjoying himself at the same time. Then I am free to go do the dishes, the clothes, feed baby Cherub or just sit for a moment in the sun shine watching the delight in his eyes.

Happy Adventures :)

11 comments:

  1. I love combining sensory play with learning! Great idea!

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  2. This is great. I love that you can use simple household items and things often left at the back of the cupboard (if you're like me) for learning opportunities. Great work. Love this.

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  3. What a great idea!! I know my little one loves measuring and of course pouring and filling. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!

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  4. Great activity, love the concentration look on his face

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  5. We mainly do measurement recognition during baking but I love this idea. I do need to work on this more.

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  6. That looks like lots of fun. It still trips me out when different shape items are the same volume, I can see this being mind blowing for children. I love the scope/funnel you made that is a great idea. I filing that in the brain for the need to arise.

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  7. Lovely. We do the same thing. Our last time doing this activity we used coloured rice but I know the kids would love to experience the pearl barley. :)

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  8. Love the use of pearl barley and all that maths learning disguised as fun!!

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  9. I'm going to search my cupboard for products that are nearly out of date. Great idea.

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  10. Looks like fun, kids love pouring and playing with things like barley don't they :-)

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  11. Great idea! Love the open ended exploration masking wonderful learning!:)

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