This activity promotes an understanding of the concept of measuring liquids using measuring cups and a variety of drinking glasses. Show children different size drinking glasses. Use a measuring cup to fill each glass with the same amount of water; the water levels should differ in each glass. The children will see that the amount of water in the glasses is the same however, it will appear that the amounts are different due to the different size vessels.
Help children follow a simple recipe using standard measurements and baking tools. Make a batch of dough or simple cookies by utilizing measuring cups and spoons. Reinforce the importance of following the recipe and correctly measuring ingredients by making a second batch without following the recipe. Compare the results.
Young students can better grasp the concept of days, weeks and months by using a calendar. Give each child his own calendar and make it a daily activity to put a mark through the current day on the calendar. Help the children mark special days on the calendar with stickers. A balloon sticker can indicate a special birthday, while a heart can denote Valentine's Day. Children will be able to grasp the concept of time if they have a reference point.
Measurement concept develop as students use common items, such as paper clips to measure. Have students place paperclips end to end without leaving spaces between them. Ask them to mark on a paper how long four paper clips is and repeat with other numbers of paperclips. This activity helps students understand measuring by unit.