Get your students thinking like real-world builders with our hands-on Measure It! Construction Game – a fun and practical way to explore length in the classroom! This engaging resource will have students examining, comparing, and measuring tools and construction vehicles using both informal and formal methods.

Perfect for introducing or reinforcing measurement concepts, this activity challenges students to sort, order, and measure a collection of tooling and machinery images. The cards can be used flexibly depending on your class needs – simply print and go, or add extra materials to turn it into an in-depth investigation!

Whether you’re running a whole-class maths rotation, supporting a small group, or encouraging independent exploration, these measurement task cards provide a playful and purposeful experience for early years learners. They’ll build their understanding of length, practise using measurement tools, and engage in mathematical reasoning – all through construction-themed fun!

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise and compare the length of everyday objects
• ✅ Use informal units (e.g. paperclips, blocks) and formal units (e.g. centimetres) to measure length
• ✅ Record and organise measurement data clearly
• ✅ Develop mathematical language related to length (longer, shorter, taller)

What’s Included

• 12 full-colour construction-themed length cards
• Recording sheet titled "Build It" for students to document their measurements
• Measurement labels for ordering or comparing

Materials Needed

• Printed and laminated activity cards
• Informal measuring tools such as unifix cubes, paperclips, paddle pop sticks, or blocks
• Rulers or measuring tapes for formal measurements
• Pencils or markers for recording data
• Optional: write-and-wipe sleeves to reuse the recording sheets

How to Use

1. Set up the activity cards at a maths centre or on student desks.
2. Students can begin by sorting the objects from shortest to longest.
3. Provide them with a measurement tool of your choice – informal or formal.
4. Ask students to measure each object and record the result on the "Build It" sheet.
5. Challenge students to use different units and compare results.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use in a construction-themed maths rotation to bring measurement concepts to life
• 💡 Add to your dramatic play area with rulers and a “builder’s clipboard” for fun pretend play
• 💡 Encourage early finishers to explore which tool is best for measuring which object
• 💡 Combine with a writing activity where students describe the size of each item

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Laminate the cards for durability and longevity
• 💛 Store with a tub of measuring tools for an easy grab-and-go centre
• 💛 Discuss units of measurement as a class before students begin to deepen their understanding

The Measure It! Construction Game is an ideal way to embed practical maths skills through imaginative and purposeful play – helping students see the value of measurement in everyday life while having a blast building their knowledge!