Measurement: Length, Weight and Time

Year 1 measurement covers four areas: length and height, weight (mass), capacity (volume), and time. Children learn to compare and describe using language like "longer", "shorter", "heavier", "lighter", "full" and "empty".

For length and weight, children start by comparing two objects directly (which pencil is longer?) before moving to non-standard units (the book is 5 cubes long) and then standard units (centimetres and metres, grams and kilograms).

For time, children learn to tell the time to the hour and half past, sequence events using "before", "after" and "next", and know the days of the week and months of the year. They begin to understand that time is measured in seconds, minutes and hours.

Measurement connects maths to the real world more than any other topic. Children who can measure, compare and estimate develop practical skills they will use every day -- from cooking to DIY to sport.

Understanding measurement also reinforces number skills: reading a ruler requires counting in ones, reading scales requires counting in steps, and telling the time requires understanding halves and quarters.

1. 1

   Measure things at home with a ruler: how long is a pencil? How tall is a teddy bear?

2. 2

   Cook together and measure ingredients: 'We need 200 grams of flour.'

3. 3

   Compare objects: 'Which is heavier -- this apple or this banana?' Use kitchen scales to check.

4. 4

   Practise telling the time on an analogue clock -- start with o'clock, then half past.

5. 5

   Play 'longer or shorter' with household items, then check by measuring.

6. 6

   Discuss daily routines using time language: 'After breakfast, before school, at half past three.'