Estimate length in cm

I can estimate the length of different objects by using known lengths.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

New

Year 1

Estimate length in cm

I can estimate the length of different objects by using known lengths.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

Slide deck

Download slide deck

Skip slide deck

Lesson details

Key learning points

Length can be estimated in the same way you estimate a position on a number line.
The width of your fingernail is about 1 cm in length.
The distance from the end of your thumb to the side of your hand is about 10 cm in length.

Common misconception

Children may think that they need to get a ruler and measure length before they can estimate it.

Reinforce the language of 'about' to show that estimates do not need to be exact. Use known lengths to support estimating within 10cm, for example, practical objects such as paperclips or buttons which are about 1cm in length.

Keywords

Estimate - To find a value that is close enough to the right answer, usually with some careful thought involved.
About - Something may not be an exact measurement, but it is close to it.

You could adapt or add to the known lengths used in this lesson to include those which children will be familiar with from within their immediate environment.

Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).