What children will learn
- Measure lengths accurately in metres and centimetres
- Use a scale to convert real measurements into drawing measurements
- Plan and justify a new layout
You'll need
- A tape measure
- Grid paper (or plain paper and a ruler)
- A pencil and eraser
- Scissors and coloured paper (optional)
How to do it
- Measure the length and width of the room in centimetres and write them down. Measure where the door and window sit too.
- Measure the footprint (length and width) of each large piece of furniture: bed, desk, wardrobe, bookshelf.
- Choose a scale: 1 cm on paper = 50 cm in real life. Divide each measurement by 50 — a 350 cm wall becomes a 7 cm line.
- Draw the room outline on grid paper, then add the door, window and furniture in their real positions.
- Cut out paper furniture at the same scale and try new arrangements. Does the bed still fit? Can the door still open?
Make it easier
Measure in footsteps or in whole metres, and draw a simple sketch rather than an exact scale plan.
Make it harder
Work out the floor area in square metres and how much of it is covered by furniture.
Parent tip: Hold the other end of the tape measure — it's much easier with two people — and let your child do all the reading and recording.
Fantastic work! Every little step helps you grow.