An important component of measuring is comparison. This pile of laundry is bigger than that one, or the runt is the smallest puppy in the litter.

For youngsters who are still discovering measuring concepts, frequent use of these words is key. As discussed in a previous blog post, kids do not internalize meanings after hearing a word once.

Introduce the words in conversation, and be sure your child is using the word correctly. Give them opportunities to use the words as well.

“That flower has shorter leaves than this one, so what would we call these leaves?”

When appropriate, use or reference measuring tools such as a ruler, scale, clock or thermometer. The more exposure a child has to a tool, the easier it becomes for him to take the next step of using it himself.