Estimate and measure length and record results in a table
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can estimate length, use a ruler to check my estimate and record these results in a table.
Key learning points
- When you estimate length, you think carefully and make a sensible guess.
- When you find a measurement, you use a ruler so it is more accurate.
- Estimates and measurements can be recorded in a table.
- Information in a table can be used to describe and compare lengths.
Keywords
Estimate - To find a value that is close enough to the right answer, usually with some thought or calculation involved.
Measure - To find a number that shows the size or amount of something.
Table - Information arranged in rows and columns.
Common misconception
Children may try to estimate length without aligning their object with the start of the known length (such as a 10 cm strip of paper).
Each time you make an estimate, model aligning the object you are measuring with the start of the strip of paper. Make links to when we measure with a ruler, knowing we always have to line up the object we are measuring with 0 cm.
Teacher tip
Keep the 10 cm strips of paper in the classroom so that children have the opportunity to continue exploring the concept of estimating length based on known lengths outside of the lesson. For example, they could estimate, and then check, which pencils are closest to 10 cm in length.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which object measures about 1 cm?
Q2.Which object measures about 10 cm?
Q3.Which is the best estimate for the length of this playdough snake?
Q4.Which of these has used '5 and a bit' correctly to estimate the length of this playdough snake?
Q5.I think that a good estimate for the length of this block is ___ cm.
Q6.I think that a good estimate for the length of this feather is cm.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is the best estimate for the length of this leaf?
Q2.Choose the best heading for this part of the table.
Q3.Alex says, 'I think this leaf is about 6 cm long.' Is this an estimate or a measurement?
Q4.Jun says, 'This leaf is 5 cm long.' Is this an estimate or a measurement?
Q5.Look at the table. For which object was the estimate and measurement the same?
Q6.Look carefully at the table. Which sentences are correct?
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Estimate and measure length and record results in a table, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Estimate and measure length and record results in a table, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Numbers 0 to 20 in different contexts unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.