Length and height - Vocabulary

In the context of Year 1 mathematics, students are introduced to fundamental concepts of measurement, focusing on length and height. Length is defined as the distance from one end to the other end of an object, while height is the distance from the top to the bottom. These measurements provide a numerical representation of the size or amount of something. For example, the height of a toy could be 7 centimetres, and the length of a pencil might be measured as 12 centimetres. To illustrate these measurements in a more relatable way, non-standard units such as the length of green string (6 cm) or the comparison that a pencil is 3 erasers long are used.

When teaching young students about measurement, it's essential to differentiate between non-standard and standard units of measurement. Non-standard units can include any object used for measuring, provided they are of uniform size and aligned correctly, such as using blocks or glue sticks to measure length. However, standard units, like centimetres, offer a consistent method for measuring and comparing objects. Tools like rulers are used to measure with these units. Additionally, students learn comparative language such as long/longer, short/shorter, tall/taller, and concepts of equality and size differences (small/smaller, same/equal). These terms help students articulate their observations about the relative dimensions of various objects, contributing to their understanding of measurement and spatial awareness.