Gearing up to teach linear measurement? A great place to start is with a book! You guys know I love using books as a base for introducing lessons, which includes using them in my math block. So today, I’m sharing nine linear measurement books that are perfect to use in your classroom when introducing students to standard or non-standard measurement standards.
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Linear Measurement Books for the Classroom
I know time is of the essence, so if you’re pressed for time, use the quick links to check out these books below!
Some of these books I’ve used to introduce my linear measurement unit, and a few are new to me, but check them out!
Oh, and if you’re about to start your measurement unit, be sure to grab the free measurement anchor chart that’s at the end of this post.
1. Me and the Measure of Things by Joan Sweeney
This book is part of the well-loved “Me and… ” Series. Doesn’t sound familiar? Remember Me on the Map? Yup! This is an addition to that, and I love it! Not only does this book discuss linear measurement, but it also covers mass and capacity. Perfect for introducing your students to how we can measure items all around us!
2. How Long or How Wide? A Measuring Guide by Brian P. Cleary
Bring some humor to your linear measurement unit with this silly book. Your students will love the rhyming sing-song writing, and you’ll love all the knowledge this book packs in! It’s also part of a series, so be sure to check out the one on time and the one on capacity, too!
3. Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy
Lisa has an important assignment: to measure something in different ways. Check out this story that many students will be able to relate to! This sweet gem is a “Teacher’s Pick” on Amazon for k-8th grade math.
4. How to Measure Everything board book –by DK
Ok… so this is a lift the flap book, but I love how interactive it is! This book also includes the many different ways you can measure: temperature, time, length, width, height, and capacity, so keep that in mind as you read it!
5. How Tall, How Short, How Far Away? by David A. Adler
This fun book is the perfect starting point for your linear measurement unit. Not only does it discuss linear measurement in detail, (Hello, customary and metric units!) but it also gives a brief look into how people measured things throughout history! Hey, a chance to sprinkle in some history into your math block? I’m in! Also… it’s a Reading Rainbow Book. Need I say more?
6. Millions to Measure paperback – by David M. Schwartz
This book adds a little magic to measurement as the reader follows along with a magic magician to learn more about all the things and ways you can measure items. Includes a discussion on metric measurement.
Oh, and it is illustrated by Steven Kellogg. (The same one who wrote and illustrated this Johnny Appleseed book!)
7. Ants Rule: The Long and Short of It by Bob Barner
This fantasy read follows along with the ants as they plan their special celebration- only to realize they can’t build their special roller coaster if they don’t know how many ants will come and how long to make it! This book introduces students to measurement but also comparison and data.
8. How Tall? Wacky Ways to Compare Height by Mark Weakland
This is a great, silly start to learning about height! This book includes many wacky comparisons on how to measure items- like how many chipmunks tall is a redwood tree? Great way to introduce non-standard measurement and how important it is to use the same item. Be ready for giggles!
9. How Big Is a Foot? by Rolf Myller
How big is a foot? The king wants to build a bed for his queen. The problem? Beds haven’t been invented yet… so, how big should they be? This tale is an oldie but a goodie, and one look at the reviews shows teacher after teacher discussing how they use this book in their primary classrooms to introduce nonstandard measurement! Heads up: The book is on the smaller side!
Other Ways to Use Measurement Books in your Classroom
Not sure about other ways to use these books in your classroom? Here are a few other suggestions:
- Use as part of your unit, reading a new book each day as a review or “hook.”
- Incorporate into your Math Stations by making reading these books a Math Station- reading and math come together in the best way!
- Use as part of a closing activity to review key concepts and vocabulary learned in that day’s lesson.
- Have students partner and read a few of the books when they are done with their math lesson.
Measurement Books for the Classroom
These are nine linear measurement books for the classroom. Are there any you’d like to add? Share your favorites in the comments below! Oh, and don’t forget to sign up below to receive a FREE Measurement Interactive Anchor chart!
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