Many people probably think of "volume" as a somewhat difficult topic studied in the upper elementary grades.
However, in elementary school, instead of immediately learning the word "volume," children first develop an understanding of how much something "contains" by asking questions like "How much can it hold?" or "Which one is bigger?" using the word **"kasa" (capacity)**.
And based on this concept of "kasa," they later move on to learning about "volume."
For parents, "kasa" might even be easier to grasp than "volume."
In fact, this sense of "kasa" can be fun to develop through block play in early childhood.
For example,
- What does "the same size" mean?
- Do they look different but are the same size?
- How many combinations make the same size?
These kinds of discoveries are unique to block play.
This time, we will introduce block play activities that foster a sense of "kasa" (volume), categorized by age.
What kind of ability is the sense of "kasa" (volume)?
"Kasa" is a concept that represents **how much space something occupies**.
In elementary school, children first develop a sense of "kasa," and then learn using the word "volume."
In early childhood, there's no need to memorize formulas.
First,
- big/small
- the same size
- combining to make the same size
- same size even if they look different
It's important to acquire these senses through play.
With blocks, children can directly manipulate them to confirm and intuitively understand differences in "kasa."
[0-1 years old] Feel big and small
At this stage, there's no need to teach the words "kasa" or "volume."
The important thing is to notice differences in size.
Compare big and small blocks
Arrange blocks and play while saying,
"This one's bigger!"
"This one's smaller!"
Put them in a box
Put blocks into a box.
Experiences like,
"It's full!"
"It can't hold anymore!"
help develop the sense of "kasa" (capacity) as "holds a lot" or "doesn't hold much."
[2-3 years old] Find the same size
This is a period when the ability to compare is developing.
Collect blocks of the same size
Search for blocks that are "about the same size."
It's also recommended to compare them not just by looking, but by stacking and lining them up.
Block Exchange Game
A parent places one block.
The child chooses a block they think is "the same size."
Let's check together, "Are they really the same?"
[4-5 years old] Combining them makes the same volume!
From here, we introduce unique Tsumikids play.
Recommended Activities
Make a cube with two triangular prisms
Try putting two triangular prisms together.
From the discovery, "Oh? It became a cube!"
Parents and children can think together, "The shape changed, but what about the volume?"
Make a rectangular prism with two cubes
If you line up two cubes, they will have the same shape as a rectangular prism when viewed from the front.
However, two cubes and one rectangular prism have different volumes.
Ask, "The shape looks the same from here, but what about the volume?" and play in a way that encourages your child's discovery.
Same Volume Creation Game
Play by posing challenges such as, "Try combining blocks to make the same volume as this cube!"
Through trial and error, search for combinations that result in the same volume.
[5-6 years old] Challenge yourself with activities that consider "kasa" (volume)!
Recommended for around elementary school entrance.
Do they look different but are the same size?
Place two blocks side by side and,
"Which one do you think is bigger?"
make a prediction.
Confirm whether they are the same volume by actually combining or stacking them.
Perfect Volume Challenge!
The parent combines blocks to create a shape.
The child then tries to make **the same volume** using a different combination of blocks.
For example,
- 2 rectangular prisms = 2 cubes
- 3 cubes = 2 rectangular prisms + 2 triangular prisms
- 4 cubes = 1 cube + 1 rectangular prism + 4 triangular prisms
The answer is not always just one.
By thinking about various combinations, children also develop logical thinking skills.
Swap Game
"Can you swap 2 cubes for other blocks of the same volume?"
"Can you make the same volume using only triangular prisms?"
Play by swapping blocks in this way.
Children can naturally learn the concept that "shapes can be different, but the size can be the same."
Block play is a warm-up for "kasa" (volume)
Through block play, children can develop various skills that lead to elementary school mathematics, such as:
✔ Big/Small
✔ Same size
✔ Combining
✔ Dividing
✔ Same volume even if they look different
✔ Trial and error
✔ Logical thinking
By actively manipulating blocks, children can enjoy understanding the familiar concept of "kasa" and connect it to future learning of "volume."
Summary
In elementary school, children first develop a sense of "How big is it?" or "Which one can hold more?" using the familiar word "kasa." This concept then leads to learning about "volume."
In early childhood, there's no need to memorize formulas.
"They looked different, but they were the same size!"
"They fit together perfectly when combined!"
Having fun with such discoveries lays an important foundation for future math skills.
A major feature of Tsumikids blocks is that cubes, rectangular prisms, and triangular prisms can be freely combined to create the same volume.
Please try various combinations with your child and enjoy discovering, "Kasa is interesting!" and "So this is what volume is!"