Length and height - Using a ruler - Planning

In the first week of Spring term, Year 1 students are introduced to the concepts of length and height through practical activities. The National Curriculum objectives for this unit include comparing and solving problems related to lengths and heights, and beginning to measure and record these dimensions. The key vocabulary encompasses terms such as 'long', 'short', 'taller', 'measure', and 'compare'. The lesson focuses on using a ruler, a tool that provides a more accurate and standardised method for measurement compared to non-standard units like leaves, which can vary in size. The class will start by assessing their prior knowledge of measurement, discussing the limitations of non-standard units, and exploring the benefits of using a ruler.

The lesson plan is structured with a range of hands-on activities. Initially, students will examine a ruler and compare it to an image on a PowerPoint presentation, discussing similarities and differences. They will learn the importance of starting measurements from the correct point on the ruler, often called 'minding the gap' before zero. In practical tasks, children will measure objects such as boxes of crayons and pencils, and engage in paired discussions about their findings. The lesson also introduces reasoning skills by encouraging students to use phrases like 'closest to...' and 'almost...' when objects don't align exactly with the ruler's markings. The session ends with reflective questions and a 'Give me five' activity, where students articulate what they've learned, what skills they've used, and what they found challenging, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of measuring with a ruler.