🌈 Measuring with Rainbows: A Fun Nonstandard Measurement Activity for Preschoolers

Measuring with Rainbows: A Fun Nonstandard Measurement Activity Tray Activity

Introducing young learners to the concept of measurement doesn't have to be all rulers and tape measures! In fact, nonstandard measurement is a perfect way to help preschool children grasp early math concepts in a hands-on, developmentally appropriate way.

One of the best tools for this? Something colorful, tactile, and already familiar to many preschoolers: snap cubes! Add a splash of magic with some printable rainbow strips, and you've got an engaging and educational activity that’s perfect for any early childhood classroom.

What is Nonstandard Measurement?

Nonstandard measurement uses everyday objects—like blocks, paperclips, or snap cubes—instead of traditional measuring tools. It helps children understand measurement basics like length, comparison, and counting units, without needing to interpret numbers on a ruler.

It’s ideal for preschoolers because:

• It builds foundational math skills through play.

• It develops vocabulary like “longer,” “shorter,” “taller,” and “same as.”

• It strengthens fine motor skills and problem-solving.

Rainbow Measurement Activity with Snap Cubes

Materials Needed:

• Snap cubes (also known as linking cubes or unifix cubes)

• Printable Rainbow Measurement Cards (available inside of FREE Childcare Community)

• Dry erase pockets or lamination (optional for reusability)

Skills Practiced:

• Counting

• Comparing lengths

• Number recognition

• One-to-one correspondence

• Fine motor coordination

Instructions:

1. Print and prep your rainbow cards – Each card has a different rainbow design with varying lengths.

2. Invite children to pick a card, then measure the length of the rainbow using snap cubes. They'll line up cubes end-to-end across the rainbow and count how many it takes to reach from one end to the other.

3. Record the number of cubes used—either by drawing the number or snapping together that many cubes next to the rainbow.

4. Compare! Ask questions like:

   • “Which rainbow is the longest?”

   • “Which one took fewer cubes?”

   • “Can you find a rainbow that is exactly 6 cubes long?”

Extension Ideas:

• Have children predict how many cubes long a rainbow will be before measuring.

• Introduce a simple graphing activity where students chart how many cubes long each rainbow is.

• Add a creative writing or art prompt: "What’s at the end of your rainbow?"

💾 Download Your Free Rainbow Measurement Printable!

Join our FREE Childcare Community to download your free set of Rainbow Measurement Cards. These are perfect for math centers, small groups, or independent exploration. Laminate for repeated use or print on cardstock for durability.

Get FREE Rainbow Cards Inside FREE Community

Final Thoughts

Nonstandard measurement activities like this one combine math, play, and color in a way that’s accessible and exciting for preschoolers. By using tools like snap cubes and rainbows, you’re helping students build a strong foundation in early math—while having a whole lot of fun!

Let the rainbow measuring begin! 🌈📏