Introduction to Measurement for 1st and 2nd Grade Students

Helping students with beginning measurement is so important in developing their future measurement and math skills. To begin, having a strong introduction to measurement for 1st and 2nd grade students can make a huge difference in their foundational understanding of measurement! Get started with this introduction to measurement for 1st and 2nd grade students.

Identifying Centimeters and Inches

Understanding the basic units of measurement for length in both metric and customary measurement systems will help your students learn how to use a ruler and have a concept of length. 

To begin, help your students learn how to identify centimeters and inches by using engaging lessons and practice materials. 

 First, the measurement contains practice pages to help students identify inches to the nearest half inch as well as centimeters. In addition to reading a ruler on the page, students make their own markings on an actual correctly scaled ruler. 

 Next, practice identifying inches to the nearest half inch. Not only is this a great way to practice beginning measurement, your students also get a foundation for rounding skills. 

 One reason I love using the introduction to measurement practice pages is to take students from sharing materials. Of course, it's difficult to keep multiple rulers cleaned!  That's why I use practice pages with actual rulers! Then students can do all of their work on paper without worrying about spreading germs!

Click HERE to download this sample freebie!  Your students will love the visual support for identifying inches on a ruler.

Labeling Inches and Centimeters

In addition to identifying inches and centimeters, your students will also learn to label an ruler with inches and centimeters. This shows a deeper understanding of the units of measurement. Labeling activities are ready to go and print on the introduction to measurement practice pages!

Comparing Inches and Centimeters

Going back and forth from customary to metric measurement can be confusing! Use the introduction to measurement practice pages to have your student practice comparing inches and centimeters. 

 First, have your students compare inches and centimeters to decide which measurement in larger. 

Next, use the practice pages to have students find which measurement in centimeters or inches is smaller. This comparison activity helps students with problem-solving and critical thinking skills!

Here is an example on one of my pages comparing inches and centimeters  Like it? Download it HERE. I made this freebie just for you :) 

 

Drawing and Measuring Lines

Finally, help your students put together everything they've learned about inches and centimeters and draw their own lines! Students draw lines given a certain measurement. 

In addition, your 1st and 2nd graders can measure lines on the paper and then draw a line that is additional centimeters or inches or a shorter length. These activities are ready-to-print and use on the introduction to measurement practice pages!

Extension Activities for Introduction to Measurement

Have your students extend their learning by using their paper or actual rulers to measure things in the classroom or around their own home. Of course, to keep social distancing, students can measure their own materials in their area or even their hands or bottoms of shoes! In addition, ask your students to measure things at home. How long is their bed in centimeters? In inches? Measure the cover of a book or a spoon in the kitchen. The possibilities are endless for students to extend their measurement learning! 

 This introduction to measurement for 1st and 2nd grade students will help your students get the foundation they need for measurement instruction! Count on the introduction to measurement practice pages to help your students get started with measurement in the primary math classroom!