View more pets math activities for preschool and kindergarten.

Directions:

Explain to children that they will be taking the measurements of a stuffed animal. Show children how to measure a stuffed animal with dog biscuits. Then, distribute a stuffed animal, dog biscuits and a piece of paper to each child.

1. Have children choose a stuffed animals.
2. Have children place the dog biscuits along the side the body of the stuffed animal.
3. Have children count the biscuits and write the number down on a piece of paper.
4. Discuss the results of the measurements with children. Ask questions like: "Which stuffed animal is the shortest?" "Which stuffed animal is the longest?"
5. Let children practice measuring other stuffed animals.

Variation for older children :

Show children how to measure a stuffed animal by demonstrating the steps below. Then, distribute a stuffed animal, a length of yarn, and two paperclips to each child.

1. Have children place one end of the yarn at one end of their stuffed animal and tape it down.
2. Have children run the yarn alongside the body of the stuffed animal until the yarn is in line with the opposite end of the body.
3. Instruct children to fasten the paperclip to this spot on the yarn.
4. Have children use a ruler, unifix cubes, or some other measuring tool to measure their length of yarn.
5. After children have finished their measurements, record measurements on a graph on a large sheet of paper with the names of the stuffed animals at the top of the sheet.
6. Discuss the results of the measurements with children. Ask questions like: "Which stuffed animal is the shortest?" "Which stuffed animal is the longest?"
7. Let children practice measuring other stuffed animals.

Extension:

Place stuffed animals and measuring tools in your Math Center and let children practice measuring.