Measurement: Length and Height
To develop understanding of length and height through comparison, ordering, and non-standard measurement.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Mathematics
- Learning area: Mathematics
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Directly compares lengths
- Orders by length
- Measures using non-standard units
- Understands need for consistent units
Materials
- Objects of varying lengths
- Non-standard units (cubes, hands, feet)
- Recording sheets
- Rulers to introduce
Instructions
Begin with direct comparison: lay two objects side by side and align at one end: 'This pencil and this crayon — which is longer? We must line them up at one end to compare fairly.' Demonstrate the importance of the baseline.
Order three objects from shortest to longest: 'These three ribbons — can you put them in order? Start with the shortest, then the middle, then the longest.' Ordering three items is significantly more complex than comparing two.
Measure using non-standard units: 'How many cubes long is this book? Line them up along the edge, no gaps, no overlaps. Count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Six cubes long!' This teaches measurement principles before standard units.
Measure the same object with two different units: 'The table is 8 hands long. How many pencils long is it? 12 pencils! Why is the number different? Because hands are bigger than pencils!' This reveals the inverse relationship between unit size and number of units — a profound insight.
Introduce rulers as the standard unit tool: 'This is a ruler. It uses centimetres — everyone's centimetres are the same, so we can compare measurements!' Demonstrate measuring a line.
Measure real things that matter to children: 'Let's measure how tall you are! How much have you grown since your last birthday? Let's measure the caterpillar's length every day and record it — is it growing?'