Ordering Similar Objects by Measurable Attributes
Early childhood teacher candidates engage in an adult learning activity that has them order and reorder objects by size according to different attributes. This activity explores the idea that measurement requires us to identify a measurable attribute of an object–“What kind of “big” is it?–and make a comparison to find its size relative to something else. This is one example of how we engage pre- and in-service teachers in the Big Ideas so that they deepen their own mathematical content knowledge.
Adult learning videos are portions of professional development sessions designed to engage adults in a meaningful way. They are not activities meant for recreating with children. Learn more about our Whole Teacher Approach and Learning Labs.
Why is this important?
Adult learning activities give teachers opportunity to engage directly with mathematics as learners. To teach for understanding requires that teachers have their own deep understanding of the Big Ideas of early mathematics.
Support our work
The Early Math Collaborative works to improve math instruction for young children in three ways:
- Professional development
- Research
- Dissemination