First Grade Love
All Things First Grade Math!
Unit 14 Overview
This unit bundles student expectations that address using non-standard measuring tools laid end-to-end with no gaps or overlaps, describing length to the nearest whole
unit, and explaining the relationship between the size of a unit and the number of units needed.
Prior to this unit, in Kindergarten, students identified measurable attributes of objects, including length, capacity, and weight. Students focused on direct comparisons of
measureable attributes using descriptive language rather than quantity.
During this unit, students explore the continuous nature of linear measure by using concrete, non-standard measuring tools to measure the length of objects. Students
determine the length of an object as the number of same-size units of length that, when laid end-to-end with no gaps or overlaps, reach from one end of the object to the
other. Students use this illustration of linear measurement to determine the length of objects to the nearest whole unit and describe the length using numbers and unit
labels. Students also measure the length of an object using two different units of measure. They begin to recognize the inverse relationship between the size of a unit and
the number of units needed as they explain how and why the measurements differed. Repeated practice and opportunities measuring length using non-standard units is a
critical foundation for students’ future success with all measurement concepts.
After this unit, in Grade 2, students will use concrete objects that represent standard customary and metric units of measure and standard measurement tools (rulers,
yardsticks, meter sticks, tape measures) to determine the length of objects. Students will also apply their understanding of length, including estimating lengths, to problemsolving
situations, including finding the perimeter of objects.
Use lots of different units
Have cards with objects to measure and different units, have them draw one of each
Make non-standard rulers with beans, paper clips, pennies, etc.
Comparing Lengths
Curvy lines to Linear
Comparing Units
Jacque Prater
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