Length and height - Compare lengths and heights - Planning

In a Year 1 lesson plan focusing on the concepts of length and height, students are encouraged to compare different objects using key vocabulary such as 'longer', 'shorter', 'taller', 'longest', and 'tallest'. The lesson begins with a small step starter to recap previous learning, where children are prompted to use appropriate language to compare lengths and heights of various items. Group work encourages discussion and the use of full sentences to articulate their observations, reinforcing the correct use of vocabulary. Practical activities involve hands-on comparison of objects, both those that lie flat, like ribbons and pencils, and those that stand upright, such as toy animals. Children are guided to place objects side by side, ensuring accurate alignment for comparison, and then to make statements about these objects using the correct terms.

Further activities in the lesson include arranging three objects to determine which is the longest, shortest, tallest, or shortest, again emphasizing the accurate use of vocabulary. Presentation slides prompt children to make statements about the height and length of vehicles, while problem-solving exercises challenge them to improve given statements and understand the differences between length and height. The plenary includes a 'Give me five' reflection where students assess their learning, the skills used, and what they found challenging, with a promise to remember the correct vocabulary for future comparisons. Differentiated worksheets cater to varying levels of understanding, from 'Working Towards' to 'Greater Depth', where children compare objects and use word banks to assist them in their comparisons. A common misconception to address is the confusion between length and height, ensuring clarity in the students' understanding.