Read a Goldilocks and 3 Bears Story

Ask the students to hold up the rod that represents Papa Bear.  

Why did you pick that rod?  

Ask the students to hold up the rod that represents Mama Bear.

  Why did you pick that rod?

Ask the student to hold up the rod that represents Baby Bear.

  Why did you pick that rod?

Now ask the students to put all three rods behind their backs. 

With just feeling the rods, can you pick out which rod is Papa Bear?  How did you figure out which one is Papa Bear?  What did you feel for?

Now ask the students to put all three rods behind their backs.

With just feeling the rods, can you now pick out Baby Bear?  How did you figure out which one is Baby Bear?  What did you feel for?

Now ask the students again to put all three rods behind their backs.

With just feeling the rods, can you now pick out Mama Bear?  How did you figure out which one is Mama Bear?  Now which bear was easiest to find? 

Math Journal Activity

This activity prepares students to explore and compare the size of rods.  For more activities, see Module 1.2-1.3 Task Cards, Worksheets, and play mats.

*This activity comes from Cuisenaire: From Early Years to Adult.   See my book review HERE to learn more. 

More Activities for exploring rod size