Measuring Length Using Informal Objects — Interactive Lesson (Ages 5–6)

Want pupils to understand what “measuring” actually means before handing them a ruler? This 20-slide interactive lesson gives Year 1 pupils hands-on practice measuring length using informal objects like cubes or paperclips, before moving on to standard units.

Mastering Measuring with Informal Objects in Year 1 Maths

Pupils practise measuring the length of objects using informal objects as units, building the measurement fluency within the Year 1 National Curriculum area of measurement. Starting with informal objects before standard units like centimetres helps pupils genuinely grasp what “length” and “measuring” mean, rather than just learning to read a ruler by rote.

What’s Included

• 20-slide interactive lesson on measuring with informal objects
• Practice comparing and measuring using everyday informal objects
• Self-marking activities with instant feedback

Key Benefits for Students

• Builds a genuine understanding of what measuring length means
• Instant feedback confirms correct measurements straight away
• A strong foundation before moving to standard units like centimetres
• Connects measurement to familiar, everyday items pupils already recognise
• Makes the idea of a measuring “unit” concrete before it becomes an abstract number

Why Teachers Love It

• No prep — ready to use on any interactive whiteboard
• Self-marking activities support independent practice
• A genuine conceptual foundation before formal ruler use
• Fits naturally at the start of a Year 1 measurement unit

Love this? You’ll love…

• Sorting Objects — Interactive Lesson (Year 1)
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• Adding Doubles — Worksheets and Activity Packet (Ages 5–6)

A natural starting point before introducing standard units of measurement, so pupils build genuine understanding rather than simply memorising a procedure they don’t yet fully grasp or connect to real objects around them. This concrete, hands-on approach also suits pupils who find abstract number work harder to access at this early, formative stage of their overall learning journey.

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FAQ

What year group is this for? Year 1 (ages 5–6).

Does it use rulers or standard units? No — it focuses specifically on informal, everyday objects as units.

Is it self-marking? Yes, instant feedback throughout.