Kick off the school year with this heartwarming and hands-on height measurement activity that doubles as a charming keepsake. The Just a Plain Ribbon Gift Tag: Back to School Height Activity is a perfect way to engage students in an introductory maths investigation while celebrating what makes them unique. Parents will love seeing this keepsake on display, and students will enjoy comparing and revisiting their growth throughout the year.

This activity begins by measuring each student’s height using a piece of string. You can either roll out string beside them as they lie down or use a tape measure to find their height and cut a matching piece of string. This tactile and kinaesthetic approach gets students moving while introducing key maths concepts such as length, comparison and measurement units.

Once their personalised string is ready, students attach it to the included ribbon tag template. These tags serve not only as a maths tool, but also as a lovely memento to display in the classroom or take home. Available with and without punch hole markings, the template offers flexibility in how it’s used. This resource blends maths with creativity and reflection - making it ideal for the first week of school.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Measure height using informal and formal methods
• ✅ Compare lengths to determine shorter, taller, longer or smaller
• ✅ Order items by length and interpret measurement data
• ✅ Reflect on personal growth over time using tangible reference points

What’s Included

• Gift tag templates (with and without hole punch markings)
• Instructions for measuring height and completing the activity
• Maths extension ideas to use with the height strings

Materials Needed

• String or ribbon (one piece per student, matching their height)
• Scissors
• Tape measure or stadiometer (optional)
• Hole punch (if using the marked template)
• Gift tag printouts
• Markers, crayons or stickers for decoration

How to Use

1. Measure each student’s height by rolling out string beside them or measuring first and then cutting the string to match.
2. Label the string with the student’s name if desired.
3. Use one of the provided gift tag templates and have students attach their string through the marked hole or punch one themselves.
4. Allow students to decorate their tag with colours, drawings or messages to personalise their keepsake.
5. Display the finished tags on a classroom wall, window or clothesline as a back-to-school display.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Compare the height strings and order them from shortest to tallest
• 💡 Use the strings to measure classroom items and identify objects that are taller or shorter than themselves
• 💡 Line up strings end-to-end from one point in the school to another and count how many students it takes to reach
• 💡 Repeat the activity at the end of the school year and compare the new strings to show growth

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Print gift tags on card stock for durability and use string in a variety of colours for a bright display
• 💛 Store all students’ gift tags in a folder and bring them out at the end of the year for a meaningful reflection task
• 💛 If short on space, coil the string and attach it neatly to the back of the tag
• 💛 Use this activity as a springboard into a unit on measurement or personal data collection

This activity beautifully blends maths, personal reflection and creativity, making it a perfect start-of-year task. With minimal materials, high engagement and strong learning potential, the Just a Plain Ribbon Gift Tag: Back to School Height Activity is a must-have addition to your beginning-of-year toolkit.