Treasure Bag Measurement
Integrating Literacy and Mathematics
Stage of Literacy Development:
Stage 0: Foundation for LiteracyStage 1: Beginning Literacy
Ages:
3-7
Grade Range:
PreK K 1stFood Groups:
Primary:
Oral Language & ELL, Knowledge Building
Secondary:
Vocabulary
Activity Description
Preparation:
-
Prepare Treasure Bag
- You may wish to use a cloth bag that students will be able to take home
- The Star Student will come to school with a found object in the Treasure Bag
-
Prepare Vocabulary Wheel
- Draw a circle on a piece of chart paper
-
Divide the circle into equal sections
- In each section record questions to support students in discovering the key features of an object
- For example: What is it made of? What size is it? What color is it? How do we use it? What shape is it? How does it feel?
Implementation:
- Review the activity expectations by telling students they will ask the Star Student questions in order to correctly name the object in the Treasure BagSelect a word from the word cards
- Tell students that the Vocabulary Wheel may give them some ideas and read aloud the questions
-
Invite students to ask the Star Student questions
- Repeat the clues until someone has correctly identified the object
- Invite the Star Student to stand in front of the class
-
Have the students guess how many non-standard units of measurement it would take to find the student’s height
- For example, “How many watches high is Jamal?” or “How many books high is Kendra?”
- Remind students that all guesses are accepted
- Model how to use a non-standard unit of measurement by measuring the height of the Star Student using the object
- Continue the activity on a daily basis throughout the year
Adaptations For
English Language Learners/ESL:
- Prior to the activity provide an opportunity for students to practice asking a question
- Prompt the student when he/she is presenting the object by repeating the questions and using visual cues
- Use gestures and body language
LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:
- Repeat the questions and speak directly to the student
- Provide the student with visual cues that represent the questions
- Allow the Star Student to look at the object before answering each question
Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:
- Allow opportunities for students to share a variety of objects from various cultures
- Provide an opportunity for students to share their experiences related to the objects
Differentiated Instruction:
- At the beginning of the year share your own object to model the Treasure Bag activity
Related References
Evidence:
Rule, A.C. (2007). Mystery boxes: Helping children improve their reasoning. Early Childhood Education Journal, 35, 13-18.
Activity Objective
The goal of Treasure Bag Measurement: Integrating Literacy and Mathematics is to foster the use of thinking and listening skills by encouraging students to ask questions in order to correctly name the object in the bag and by modeling how to use the object as a non-standard unit of measurement.
What You Need
Prep Time:
20 minutes
- Prepare Treasure Bag
- Prepare Vocabulary Wheel
Task Time:
20 minutes
- Teacher reviews activity and Vocabulary Wheel
- Students ask the Star Student questions and guess the object in the bag
- Teacher uses the object to model how to measure the height of the Star Student
Materials Required:
Teacher:
- Treasure Bag
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Vocabulary Wheel
Students:
- Found object
What You Do
Teacher Role:
Direct instruction:
- while teacher reviews activity and Vocabulary Wheel
Supporter:
- while students ask Star Student questions and guess the object in the bag
Modeling:
- while teacher uses the object to show how to measure the height of the Star Student
Student Grouping:
Whole class
- when teacher reviews activity, students ask questions and teacher models how to measure the Star Student's height
Assessment Ideas:
- Make observations and record anecdotal comments during the activity
a. Record questions asked by students and responses given by the Star Student
- Use a checklist to track student participation and speaking and listening skills
Quick Tips
Activity Extensions:
- Introduce additional vocabulary words that can be used to describe objects (for example, words like "hard", "soft", "squishy")
- Have students identify the sounds in the name of the object (for example, /w/ /o/ /ch/ for watch)
- Have students try to spell the name of the object using their knowledge of letter-sound correspondences
- Have students illustrate and record the name of their objects
- Keep a record of the objects that students share throughout the year
a. Categorize the objects by the first sound in the name
- Invite students to write an adventure story about the object
Additional Comments:
- Use a class list to alphabetically determine who will receive the Treasure Bag. Have each student take the bag home and find an object to bring back to school the next day.
- Encourage students to share objects that begin or end with the sound of the week.
- At the beginning of the year send a letter home to parents explaining the Treasure Bag activity. Include the reasoning behind the activity so that parents understand that this fun activity fosters thinking skills and the development of oral language.
- Promoting the use of non-standard units of measurement fosters a meaningful context for learning. When incorporating real-life examples into your program students are able to make connections and develop a deeper understanding of the concepts.
Other Adaptations/Modifications:
- Strategically seat students who may require cues to refocus during presentation
Other Recipes by this Teacher
Who Lives Here?: Building Background Knowledge
K - 1st
Picture Writing: Using Student Art to Motivate Early Writing
PreK - 1st
The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in Pre-Kindergarten
PreK - 6th
Mind Pictures: Promoting Comprehension through Visualization
PreK - 3rd
Community Circle: Fostering Oral Language Development
K - 2nd
