Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Goal: Children compare, sort, group, organize and measure objects and create patterns in their everyday environment.

Skill Progression: Measuring

Age: 42-48 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 42-48 Months.

Using blocks of different sizes as a stimulus for discussing the day’s activities. First, tell each of the children to think of something they want to tell their partner about what they are going to do today, tonight, and tomorrow. Children each take a block and set it down for each statement.

Take one item from each set. Stand them up next to each other. Which one is longer? Which is shortest? Put a long line on the paper that shows which of your groups has the objects that are longest. Put a short line on the paper that has the objects that are shortest. Demonstrate how to use the blocks to mark what you are going to do. Lay down a block. “Today I am going to have lunch with you all.” Lay down another block, “Tonight I’m going to buy groceries.” Lay down another block, and say, “Tomorrow I’m going to wear blue jeans.” “Now it’s your turn. Take turns telling each other what you are going to do today, tonight, and tomorrow.”

Children will line up three objects by height and identify which is longest and shortest.

Conducting activities where children use blocks in two dimensions helps them learn about length and height. They see that the same item can be described differently depending on orientation.