Exploring length and size becomes instantly engaging when you introduce string 'worms'. This adult-led or continuous activity helps children move from direct visual comparison to using uniform, non-standard units to measure length accurately.

Materials Needed

Various lengths of string or thick yarn (the 'worms')
Large sheets of sugar paper (or joined scrap paper)
Uniform non-standard measuring tools (e.g., paperclips, pennies, or counting cubes)
Glue sticks and a marker pen

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Introduce the Worms

Show the children a bundle of pre-cut string pieces. Explain that these are our garden worms, but they are all mixed up. We need to find out which one is the longest and shortest.

2. Order by Length

Provide a sheet of paper. Crucial step: Show them how to line up the ends of the worms at the very edge of the paper so it's a fair test. Have them glue the worms down from shortest to longest.

3. Measure with Units

Once glued, bring out the paperclips or cubes. Ask: "How many cubes long is this worm?" Model lining the cubes up end-to-end along the string, leaving no gaps.

4. Record the Findings

Count the cubes together. Encourage the child to write the numeral (or you can write it for them) next to the corresponding worm so they can visually record their data.

5. Compare Results

Use the mathematical vocabulary to review the board. "The red worm is 5 cubes long. The blue worm is 8 cubes long. Which worm is longer?"

Classroom Adaptations

Large class?

Do a giant version on the carpet using skipping ropes as 'snakes' and children's shoes to measure them.

Limited resources?

If you don't have paperclips or cubes, use identical building blocks or dry pasta shapes to measure.

Mixed ages?

Younger children can just focus on sorting 'long' and 'short', skipping the non-standard unit measuring.

High ability?

Ask predictive questions before measuring: 'How many clips do you guess this worm will be?'

Worm Measuring Station: Measuring Length Maths Activity for Reception