Step in Progression
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Interaction Ideas
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Identifying the attribute
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As children are exploring their environment draw their attention to the attributes of the objects they are playing with. For example, let's go and find …
Extend children’s understanding by showing them what you mean before you ask them to find certain objects. For example:
Ask children to describe their thinking:
Watch for:
Do children show their understanding of concepts such as long, heavy and empty by using these words appropriately in their play?
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Direct comparison
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As children play with objects ask questions that encourage the comparison of the length, weight and volume of two or more items. Support them as they make these comparisons.
Ask children to describe their thinking:
Watch for:
Can children check their thinking by directly comparing objects to see which are longer/shorter, lighter/heavier, and hold more or less? Do they change their thinking on the basis of these comparisons?
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Indirect comparison
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As opportunities arise in play, support children to compare the length of objects that cannot be moved. Use items such as string, wool, or sticks to make these comparisons. Use questions to guide the children's thinking. For example:
Ask children to describe their thinking as they measure:
Watch for: |
Using something to measure
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Use the wide variety of objects available in the learning environment to measure. Suitable objects include:
As opportunities arise in play encourage children to use objects to measure. Use questioning to guide children through the process. For example:
Ask children to describe their thinking as they measure:
Where appropriate, ask children to estimate before they measure:
Watch for:
Do children demonstrate their understanding by making sure the unit stays the same? For example, do they make sure cups are always completely filled when measuring?
Do children select an appropriate object to measure with? How reliable are their estimates?
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