Measurement Song

This song is definitely the most challenging for students to memorize, but with time, they”ll get it. The students need to act out what they are singing or it will make no sense.

The purpose of the format of this song is two fold. First, students memorize some conversions for common units of measurement. Secondly, the students learn the nature (weight, linear, volume) of the measurement unit as well as a real life connection to help them grasp its meaning. For example, when the students “take a drink” with their hands in the proper position, they can see for themselves the approximate size of a liter.

Here you will find some hints on the hand motions for the less obvious verses. Most hand/body motions are done in a double repetition, like the two claps that normally go in the song, “If you”re happy and you know it, clap your hands,” clap, clap.

(1)If you’re foot long and you know it spread your hand

Raise two spread hands in front of your face with your thumbs touching. From pinky to pinky is approximately 1 foot.

(3) If you’re meter and you know it, giant step

Not too big

(4) If you’re kilometer and you know it, ‘round the block

Students do a little jog in a tight circle.

(5) If you’re liter and you know it, take a drink

Tip head back taking a “drink” from an invisible container that is about the size of both hands in a circle (with the middle fingers touching each other and the thumbs touching each other.)

(6) If you’re gallon and you know it, pump some gas

Squeeze hand in a pumping motion like filling your tank.

(7) If you’re a pound and you know it, throw a boot

Throw an imaginary boot with each hand, one at a time. A boot weighs about a pound.

(8) If you’re a ton and you know it, drive your car

Steer to the right, then the left. A car weighs about a ton.

(9) If you’re kilogram and you know it, lift a brick

First lift an imaginary brick with your right hand, and then with your left. A small brick weighs about one kilogram.

(10) If you’re one year and you know it, cut your cake

Using your hand as a knife, make a double cut into your imaginary birthday cake forming a triangular shaped piece.

Watch Hand Motion Video