In this activity, children need to locate an object in the classroom or in
their desk that is about the same length as the number of cubes shown, then
trace or draw the object in the space provided.
Distribute 21 cubes to each child. Have them construct 6 cube trains (of 1 to 6
cubes each), and arrange them in a staircase-like manner. Ask the class to hold
up a train that is 3 cubes long, then continue having students hold up a train for each of
the other cube lengths.
Hold up an object (for example, a button or paperweight) for the class to see.
Using their cube train as a guide have them take guesses as to how long it
is. Write their guesses on the board. Check their guesses using the
cube trains.
Distribute Cube trains 1, 3, 5
and/or Cube trains 2, 4, 6
to each child. Children
may work in pairs to locate an object that is about the same length as the cube
trains on the sheet. Encourage children to first "guess" with their eyes and then
hold up a cube train to check their guess.
Children are to trace or draw the object, then color and embellish it if they wish.
TEACHING OPTIONS
As children become familiar with larger numbers they can make cube trains to
estimate and then check the length of longer objects.
Children can match number cards to the cube trains to show how many cubes.