Measuring length and height (age 5+)
Measure and begin to record lengths and heights using non-standard and standard units
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“Length tells how long something is from end to end. First measure with same-size cubes laid in a straight line with no gaps. Then try a ruler and write the number with a unit such as centimetres.”
Bring to the table
- A book or toy to measure
- 10–20 same-size large cubes or blocks
- A ruler marked in centimetres
- Paper and pencil
Full guide and materials
- A book or toy to measure
- 10–20 same-size large cubes or blocks
- A ruler marked in centimetres
- Paper and pencil
- Step 1. Line cubes end to end along the book with no gaps or overlaps. Count the cubes and write “___ cubes.”
- Step 2. Line the ruler up with one end of the book. Read the nearest centimetre mark at the other end.
- Step 3. Write the ruler measure as a number with the unit, such as “18 cm.”
- Step 4. Compare the two records and notice both describe the same book’s length in different units.
- Quick check. Success means your child measures one object with cubes end to end, tries a ruler reading, and records at least one measurement as a number with a unit.
Worked example. Book = 12 cubes long. Same book ≈ 18 cm on the ruler. Both are length records; the unit must be named.
Optional challenge. Measure the same book’s height and length, record both with units, and say which is longer.
What to notice. Save a photo of the cube line and the written records, or a parent note such as “book: 12 cubes, 18 cm.”
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
2 approaches
Length tells how long something is from end to end. First measure with same-size cubes laid in a straight line with no gaps. Then try a ruler and write the number with a unit such as centimetres.
Spend about 15 minutes measuring one object with cubes, then with a ruler, and recording both results.
Measure length with repeated equal units and begin measuring from ruler zero in centimetres.
Measure length with repeated equal units and begin measuring from ruler zero in centimetres.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Reviewed external links that reinforce this concept. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
No reviewed resources for this concept yet.
The teaching approach above still stands. Curated practice links will appear here as the shelf fills.
Check understanding
- Measure the length of a table using cubes and record the result
- Begin to use a ruler to measure in centimetres
- Record a measurement as a number with a unit
“If your child measures the length of a book using small cubes laid end to end, can they count how many cubes it takes — and then try measuring the same book with a ruler?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Measurement
- Age range
- Ages 5–6
Standards