Length and height - Comparing lengths - Planning

In the first week of Spring term, Year 1 students embark on a journey to understand the concepts of length and height. The National Curriculum objectives for this week focus on comparing, describing, and solving practical problems related to lengths and heights, with terms like long, short, tall, and their comparative and superlative forms being central to the week's vocabulary. The children are expected to measure and begin to record these dimensions, enhancing their grasp of spatial awareness and measurement. The key vocabulary for the unit includes terms such as 'measure', 'compare', and 'accurate', which are crucial for developing a precise understanding of physical dimensions.

The lesson plan includes a variety of activities designed to engage the children in practical learning. They start by assessing their prior knowledge about length and comparison, followed by activities that involve comparing the length of different objects, such as pens, and discussing the reasons why some objects are easier to compare than others. The children are encouraged to find objects longer or shorter than a pencil and to compare the lengths of their fingers, using the key vocabulary to articulate their findings. The lesson aims to correct common misconceptions about the language of measurement and to promote accuracy in comparison. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' activity, where students evaluate what they've learned, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging, ensuring they remember the key points from the lesson. Differentiated outcomes are outlined for students working towards expected levels and those achieving greater depth, with the latter group being able to use the full range of vocabulary to compare multiple objects.