1.MD.2: Measuring Length with Non-Standard Units
I can express the length of an object as a whole number of length units by laying multiple copies of a shorter object end to end.
What Your Child Needs to Know
This standard teaches your child to measure objects using non-standard units like paper clips, blocks, or crayons. They learn to line up identical objects end-to-end with no gaps or overlaps to find the total length. For example, "The book is 8 paper clips long." This hands-on approach helps children understand the concept of measurement before they learn about standard units like inches or centimeters. It builds their understanding that measurement is about comparing one object to another.
Real World Practice
Visual models and hands-on activitiesVisual Models
Paper Clip Chains: Use paper clips linked together to measure objects around the house.
Block Towers: Line up identical blocks end-to-end to measure the length of books, tables, or toys.
Crayon Measurements: Use crayons as measuring units for smaller objects like pencils or spoons.
Footstep Measuring: Have your child walk heel-to-toe to measure distances in "feet" steps.
Everyday Activities
Kitchen Measuring: Use spoons to measure the length of kitchen items like cutting boards or placemats.
Toy Measuring Station: Set up a measuring station with various objects (blocks, crayons, paper clips) to measure toys.
Body Part Measuring: Use hands, fingers, or arm spans to measure furniture or room dimensions.
Nature Measuring: Use sticks, leaves, or rocks to measure outdoor objects like garden beds or sidewalk sections.
Quick Checks
Strategies and quick activitiesStrategies When Your Child Struggles
Emphasize End-to-End: Show that measuring units must touch with no gaps or overlaps.
Use Identical Objects: Make sure all measuring units are exactly the same size.
Start with Shorter Objects: Begin measuring small items before moving to longer ones.
Count Together: Count each measuring unit aloud as you place it: "1 block, 2 blocks, 3 blocks..."
5-Minute Practice Activities
Quick Measure Challenge: Give your child 3 objects to measure with paper clips in 5 minutes.
Estimate and Check: Have your child guess how many blocks long something is, then measure to check.
Same Object, Different Units: Measure the same item with different units (blocks vs. crayons) and compare.
Measurement Hunt: Find 3 objects that are exactly 5 paper clips long.
Check Progress
Track improvementDevelopmental Milestones
Beginning: Can line up objects end-to-end with guidance and count the total number of units.
Developing: Measures objects independently using non-standard units, ensuring no gaps or overlaps.
Proficient: Accurately measures various objects and can explain their measurement process.
Advanced: Compares measurements using different units and understands why results vary.
What to Look For
Proper Alignment: Your child lines up measuring units end-to-end without gaps or overlaps.
Accurate Counting: Counts each measuring unit correctly to determine total length.
Unit Consistency: Uses identical objects for measuring (all the same size paper clips).
Measurement Language: Uses phrases like "5 blocks long" or "3 crayons wide."
Differentiation
Support for all learning levelsBelow Grade Level
Start with measuring very short objects using large units like blocks. Provide guided practice with proper alignment and counting support.
Download Practice WorksheetAt Grade Level
Practice measuring various objects with different non-standard units. Focus on accuracy and proper measurement techniques.
Download Grade Level WorksheetAbove Grade Level
Compare measurements using different units, estimate before measuring, and solve measurement word problems.
Download Challenge Worksheet