It is crucial that they understand the process of measuring as well as gain an awareness of the sizes of units. Decisions can be made about the sizes of objects by looking at, feeling, or comparing objects directly. These experiences provide opportunities to build appropriate vocabulary associated with measurement in a natural way rather than in a contrived, artificial manner. Special attention should be given to measurement of real objects. Looking at pictures in textbooks cannot substitute for measuring real objects.
Children learn to measure by measuring.
Activities should also include everyday situations which require only an estimate. For example, they need to recognize that the driving time from Dayton to Columbus is about an hour or that the cost of a movie is between four and five dollars. Since students encounter measurement ideas both in and out of school, well-chosen measurement activities should provide for a dynamic interaction between students and their environment. Ideally, the study of measurement should show the usefulness and practical applications of mathematics. In addition, the students' need to communicate about various measurement activities should highlight the importance of standard units and common measurement systems.