How to read a thermometer is a basic skill that unlocks the possibilities of describing the weather for kids.
Today we are making a fun practice thermometer so that kids can read the temperature.
How to Read a Thermometer for Kids
I noticed with my youngest that it can be a little challenging to read a thermometer for two reasons.
- In most curriculums, it is brushed over quickly. The kids practice telling time, counting money, reading a calendar and measuring with a ruler, but identifying the temperature on a thermometer isn’t top priority.
- Thermometers vary, but many only have a few actual number identified and use marks to identify the rest. Some of these marks are for every degree, but the most popular format is a mark for every two degrees Fahrenheit.
Make a Practice Thermometer
Print off this free printable practice thermometer for kids: How to Read a Thermometer – Printable for Kids
This practice thermometer can be made into a worksheet or a practice tool.
Here is how we made it into something we can use everyday.
Materials Needed for Practice Thermometer:
- What is the Temperature Printable
- Clear Straw
- Red Pipe Cleaner
- Scissors
- Glue Stick
- Scrapbook Paper or Construction Paper
- Ribbon {optional}
- Hole Punch {optional}
Print off the thermometer image and cut it out. Using the glue stick, mat with a piece of left-over scrapbook or construction paper.
Cut the straw to the size of the picture and then glue to paper.
Cut the pipe cleaner 1/2 inch longer than the straw and insert into the straw.
Use the hole punch to create a hanger for the practice thermometer with the ribbon.
Practice Reading the Thermometer
Now your thermometer is ready for some fun!
- Have the child set the temperature at a certain degree.
- Have the child tell you where to place the temperature and then check if you are right…don’t always be right!
- Display the thermometer in the kitchen and set it everyday with the current temperature.
- Chart the temperatures for the week on graph paper.
- Compare the Celsius and Fahrenheit numbers and look at how they differ.
Check out our telling time games and how to make a compass rose for other basic skill learning fun!
what a genius idea – as always, Holly!
Oh thanks!!! I have to admit it is one of my favorites to date!
Wow, Holly, what a fantastic idea! I’m blown away with how creative this is and what an amazing learning tool it is for little ones! Can’t wait to share this to my daughter 🙂
Oh thanks Katie!
Wow! This is fantastic!
this is such a neat idea to teach the kids.
This is nothing short of brilliant!
Thank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!
This is a really clever idea. I wish I’d had it when my kids were younger. I’m definitely pinning this today.
Great idea! We are also teaching our 7 year old to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa in her head. We live in US for 20 years now and still not used to Fahrenheit – using Celsius measurements in our thermometers at home 🙂 Thanks for sharing with Afterschool!
This is the cutest and coolest idea ever. I am sharing this with my husband for use in his classroom.
Thanks for sharing at Tell Me About It Tuesday!
I realised I shared and pinned this but didn’t leave you a comment to say THANK YOU and that it’s such a clever idea that I will definitely be replicating. Thank you for the inspiring helpful ideas 🙂
Thanks for joining the Weekend Wind Down Party! Please be sure to link to us in the future! We want to spread the word and be able to feature and pin great posts like this!
I love this Printable Thermometer Project. Kids will definitely love it! Pinned it! ”Deb at DialMforMoms.com
This is a brilliant idea!! Thanks for sharing via Family Fun Friday.
A wonderfully clever idea! Thanks for linking up on Mummy Mondays
Oh thanks!!!
Thanks so much…one of my favorites to date! and it is just a straw and pipecleaner! hahaha
Cute idea! Thanks for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays! x
This is such a smart way to practice reading a thermometer. It will capture the interests of both the science-minded and craft-loving kids! I’m featuring this tomorrow on my blog at the After School Linky Party.
I love this, so brilliant and will use this tomorrow with my math workshop.
waue thank uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
i like your coment