Length and height - Measure lengths non-standard units - Planning

In the first week of Spring term, Year 1 students delve into the concept of measuring lengths and heights using non-standard units. The National Curriculum objectives for this unit include comparing, describing, and solving practical problems related to dimensions, as well as beginning to record measurements. Key vocabulary such as 'long', 'short', 'taller', 'measure', and 'accurate' are introduced to the children, setting the foundation for the lessons ahead. The class starts with a recap of prior knowledge, probing questions like 'What is length?', 'What does measure mean?', and 'Have you ever measured anything?'. The children are then engaged in a practical task where they measure objects using leaves or blocks, learning the importance of using objects of the same size and placing them side by side for accuracy.

The lesson is structured around three main activities. The first is a hands-on approach where children find objects and measure them, discussing and comparing their findings. The second activity introduces the use of dienes (tens and ones blocks) for measuring, teaching children to exchange tens for ones when necessary. The third activity focuses on reasoning, as children decide which measuring tool is most sensible for measuring a football pitch. Throughout the lesson, the emphasis is placed on accurate measurement and the selection of appropriately sized measuring objects. By the end of the lesson, students reflect on what they have learned, the skills they have used, and any challenges they encountered. The lesson also differentiates between levels of understanding, from 'working towards' to 'working at greater depth', ensuring that each child can measure objects with increasing accuracy and understand the concept of exchanging tens for ones.