Developing an Understanding of Size Through Play

We know that children need first hand experiences to develop concepts and understanding. 
This week children have been supported in developing an understanding of size.
Across the nursery we have been reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears. 
This is a great book which introduces language related to size: Baby Bear's tiny chair, Mummy Bear's middle-sized chair and Daddy Bear's big chair. 
Children have shared the story at carpet time, used props and visuals at carpet time as well as in their play. Whilst building, children have been targeted to begin thinking about size and using language related to size when building collaboratively with their friends. 

Who can build the tallest tower? 
Which creature has the longest tail?
Can you find a brick shorter than this one?
The bowl of porridge was huge!

When children hear language and explore them in a range of contexts then they begin to develop understanding.
Some children's learning was moved on when they measured objects using unit cubes and comparing lengths.
Some children were keen to count the cubes and knew which numeral matched the length.
At home, talk to children about size and maybe measure how tall they are.
Do you have a doorframe you could pencil their height on?
Children love to measure themselves and it's exciting to see them grow every few months.
Look at buildings and vehicles when you are out and about: use language related to size.
And most of all, have fun!