In this article Amy MacDonald asks us to reconsider the starting point for teaching measurement concepts. We are sure readers will enjoy looking at the drawings and reading of the implications for teachers of young children. We are certain that if you teach young children you will want to try the "Draw yourself measuring task".

When children start school, they bring with them a variety of background skills and informal knowledge that can enrich their learning of new concepts and ideas. A major tenet of many learning theories is that the more children are able to connect a new concept with their existing knowledge and understandings, the more they feel confident and able…