Non-standard measurement can be bright, colorful and FUN for your little learners in your classroom. I can’t wait to show you how to make rainbow rulers and bean rulers!
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This week I made two kinds of rulers for my preschool classroom: bean rulers and rainbow rulers!
To make the rainbow rulers all you need are markers and wooden rulers.
Color each inch a different color. You can make your ruler with any color combination you would like!
Color each inch, and you are done!
Rainbow rulers allow my preschool students to measure with real rulers! Instead of counting the marks on the ruler, they count the color blocks. This way when they get to elementary school, they are familiar and confident using a ruler! All they have to learn how to read the marks on the ruler!
To make the bean rulers you will need
- 1 bag of large lima beans
- sharpies
- a roll of wide, clear tape
1. Write the numbers on the beans. This way the numbers will not rub off as your students use the rulers. It works best to use the large lima beans for your rulers.
2. Tear off a long piece of tape and place the beans on the tape. (HINT: fold over some tape at each end to make it easier to grab)
3. Fold the bottom tape over the beans.
4. Fold the top of the tape over the beans.
5. Squeeze all the air bubbles out and trim the ends.
**Steps 6 & 7 will make your bean rulers stronger and will last longer!**
6. Tear off another piece of tape and put the ruler on the tape
7. Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5
The bean rulers are a great tool to teach non-standard measurement. My students love using them!
No more beans wiggling all over the place when we are trying to measure. I made a whole class set!
You can check out all my fabulous math ideas and printables for your little learners at my MATH Pinterest Board!
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