Maths · 15 minutes · 6–10 years
How many handspans?
Measure one table with two hands and discover why units matter.
All you need
A low table, paper and pencil.
Grown-up, read this first
Stay on the floor; never climb furniture.
Adapt to your child’s needs and stop if uncomfortable.
Let’s give it a go
A question to take with you
Did the table change, or did the unit change?
Talk it through or draw on paper. There is no answer box or personal information to submit.
Make it gentler
Measure a book with finger widths.
Take it further
Compare centimetres with handspans if a ruler is available.