Learning Maths with Mr Men {Mr Men Measuring Box}

If you’re looking for a joyful, practical way to introduce measurement to young learners, this Mr Men Measuring Box might just become your new favourite homeschool resource. Let your littles have fun learning maths with Mr Men!

I’ve been building a collection of “go-to” boxes for different maths and phonics sessions for my youngest two, and this measuring maths box has quickly become a standout. There’s something magical about having everything ready to go, open the lid and learning begins instantly.

Even better? It’s one of those rare activities children ask for. My 5-year-old regularly requests one of her “tool boxes,” and this one, full of bright colours and familiar characters, is especially irresistible.

Learning Maths with Mr Men the Fun Way!

Why Create a Measuring Maths Box?

Measurement can feel abstract for young children, but it doesn’t have to be. By combining familiar objects, playful themes, and tactile tools, you can turn it into an engaging, meaningful experience.

This measuring maths box helps children:

• Understand length in real-world contexts
• Compare standard and non-standard units
• Build estimation skills
• Develop fine motor and problem-solving abilities
• Stay engaged through play-based learning

How I Made Our Mr Men Measuring Box

I used a simple ice-cream tub as the base, perfectly sized to store everything neatly. To make it visually appealing (and easy to identify), I decorated the outside with brightly coloured foam.

This serves two purposes:

• Organisation: I can quickly grab the right box during a busy homeschool day
• Engagement: The bright, playful design draws children in immediately

If you’re planning to make multiple boxes, this visual system is incredibly helpful.

What’s Inside the Measuring Maths Box?

I filled the box with a mix of standard and non-standard measuring tools to give a well-rounded learning experience.

Standard Measuring Tools

• Tape measure (decorated for fun!)
• Dressmaker’s tape
• Homemade ruler marked in centimetres

These introduce children to conventional units like cm, mm, and inches.

Non-Standard Measuring Tools

• Mini character “tape measure” (evenly spaced figures)

• Lego bricks

• Montessori rods

These allow children to explore measurement in a more intuitive, playful way before transitioning to standard units.

A Clever Lid Upgrade

Inside the lid, I glued a Lego baseboard. This creates a built-in measuring station, perfect for:

• Measuring small objects
• Comparing lengths visually
• Encouraging independent exploration

It’s a simple addition but adds so much value.

How We Use Our Mr Men Measuring Box

This measuring maths box supports a variety of activities, all centred around play and discovery.

Measuring Width

Children can measure objects using:

• A ruler (to the nearest cm)
• A tape measure (mm or inches)
• A dressmaker’s tape
• A character-based measuring strip

Measuring Height

Height becomes a hands-on activity using:

• Lego towers
• Measuring tapes
• Montessori rods

Exploring Area

We use Lego bricks to:

• Fill spaces
• Compare sizes
• Estimate area visually

Estimating Perimeter

A simple ball of string (easy to add!) allows children to:

• Wrap around objects
• Estimate perimeter
• Compare lengths

Extending the Learning

One of my favourite ideas is to collect and cut out characters as we read stories. These can then be used to:

• Measure objects
• Compare sizes
• Create themed maths challenges

It ties literacy and maths together beautifully.

Why This Box Works So Well

This Mr Men Measuring Box succeeds because it combines:

• Familiar characters → emotional engagement
• Hands-on tools → active learning
• Variety → sustained interest
• Independence → children can explore on their own

And perhaps most importantly, it makes maths feel like play.

Reflection Questions for Your Child

Use these to deepen understanding during or after play:

• Which tool was easiest to use? Why?
• Did different tools give different answers? Why might that be?
• How many Lego bricks long is your book?
• Can you find something longer/shorter than your hand?
• Which is more accurate: Lego or a ruler? Why?

Hands-On Activity Ideas

Here are some simple ways to extend your measuring maths box learning:

1. Measuring Hunt

Ask your child to find:

• Something longer than 10 cm
• Something shorter than 5 Lego bricks
• Something the same length as their foot

2. Build & Measure Challenge

• Build a Lego tower
• Measure it using three different tools
• Compare the results

3. Estimate Then Measure

• Guess the length of an object
• Measure it
• Compare estimate vs reality

4. Story-Based Measuring

• Pick a favourite character
• Measure objects “in characters”
• Create fun statements like:
  “The table is 6 Mr Men long!”

5. Outdoor Measuring Adventure

Take your measuring maths box outside and measure:

• Leaves
• Sticks
• Garden paths

Final Thoughts about Learning Maths with Mr Men

If you’re building a collection of homeschool resources, a measuring maths box like this is absolutely worth the effort. It’s reusable, adaptable, and endlessly engaging.

And if your experience is anything like mine, don’t be surprised if your children start asking for their “tool box” every single day.