Get your students measuring, comparing and creating with the Our Growing Garden Craft! This fun and hands-on activity combines informal measurement with a classroom display project that celebrates every student's height in a colourful and engaging way.

Students will measure how tall they are using informal units, then use that measurement to create a flower stem that is just as tall. Once measured, they will write their measurement details on the flower petals and decorate the bloom before attaching it to the top of their personalised flower stem.

With opportunities for discussion, comparison and reflection, this craft allows students to apply their understanding of length in a creative context. It’s the perfect addition to a maths unit on informal measurement or a cross-curricular activity that links maths and visual arts.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Use informal units of measure to estimate and measure length
• ✅ Record measurement information accurately and clearly
• ✅ Compare and discuss lengths using comparative language (taller, shorter, same height)
• ✅ Engage in hands-on learning with opportunities for creativity and collaboration
• ✅ Create a vibrant class display that showcases individual data

What’s Included:

• Flower petal templates for students to record their measurement information
• Stem building instructions to create a flower as tall as each student
• Banner for creating a cohesive class display titled “Our Growing Garden”
• Teacher notes with instructions and suggestions for extending the activity

Materials Needed:

• Printed petal templates (one per student)
• Coloured cardstock or paper for petals and stems
• Scissors and glue
• Craft items like pom poms, googly eyes or pipe cleaners (optional)
• Unifix cubes, MAB blocks, paperclips, counters or other informal units
• Sticky tape or glue dots for mounting stems to walls or boards

How to Use:

1. Provide each student with an informal measuring tool, such as Unifix cubes.
2. Have students measure their own height and count the number of units used.
3. Students record this number on the flower petal templates.
4. Assemble the flower using the petals and create a matching stem that is the same height as measured.
5. Display the completed flowers on a wall or bulletin board using the included banner.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a culminating task in a measurement unit
• 💡 Set up as a rotation station during numeracy centres
• 💡 Display outside your classroom to create an interactive data wall
• 💡 Incorporate into a growth or garden-themed week or inquiry project

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Encourage students to pair up and help each other measure for collaborative learning
• 💛 Use consistent units across the class or have small groups explore different units and compare results
• 💛 Photograph the final display and share it with families in newsletters or online portfolios

Our Growing Garden Craft is the perfect combination of measurement, comparison and creativity. Watch your students grow their understanding of length while growing a garden full of colourful, life-sized flowers in your classroom!