To spark interest with measurement sense, an early primary class explored ordering different objects, inspired by Is it Larger? Is It Smaller? by Tana Hoban. Placing different materials on the tables students explored a variety of materials, responding to the question "Can you put these materials in order?" The mathematical focus behind this provocation was comparing and ordering objects through direct comparison.
The engagement level was high as they explored the materials provided. I learned so much from watching and listening to them while they worked on putting the objects in order. The range of different ways they put the materials in order was fascinating to see. Afterwards, we shared our thinking as a group and then recorded our learning.
