Bridges in Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 4: Measurement & Fractions
In this unit, first graders compare and order lengths, measure with same-size units like paper clips laid end to end, tell time to the hour and half hour, and split shapes into equal parts called halves and fourths. Measuring puts their counting from the last unit to work. The equal shares lead into the next unit's geometry, which looks closely at what makes each shape what it is.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 4?
- Ordering three objects from shortest to longest, lining up their ends, and using a string to compare two things that can't sit side by side. Learn more: Ordering three things from shortest to longest
- Measuring how long something is by laying paper clips or blocks end to end, with no gaps or overlaps, and counting them. Learn more: Measuring length by lining up same-size objects
- Telling and writing time to the hour and half hour on both a clock with hands and a digital clock. Learn more: Telling time to the hour and half hour
- Cutting circles and rectangles into two or four equal shares and naming them halves, fourths, and quarters. Learn more: Halves and quarters of circles and rectangles
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Which object is usually the longest?
- A book
- A bus
- A shoe
How you can help
- Gather three shoes and ask your child to line them up from shortest to longest, starting each at the same edge. Then measure the longest one in paper clips laid end to end with no gaps.
- Point out the clock at the hour and half hour, like "It's 3:30, half past three; the short hand is between the 3 and the 4." Ask your child to read it the next time.
- Fold a paper napkin into two equal halves, then into four equal fourths, and ask whether every piece is the same size. Try a square napkin and a round coffee filter.
Where kids can get stuck
- Comparing two pencils without lining up their ends, so the shorter one looks longer.
- Leaving gaps between paper clips while measuring, which makes the object seem shorter than it is.
- Reading 4:30 as 5:30 because the short hand is close to the 5.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- length
- How long something is from one end to the other.
- unit
- A same-size thing used to measure, like a paper clip or a cube.
- measure
- Find out how long something is by counting units.
- hour hand
- The short hand on a clock; it shows the hour.
- minute hand
- The long hand on a clock; it shows the minutes.
- half past
- Thirty minutes after the hour, like 3:30.
- equal shares
- Parts of a whole that are all the same size.
- half
- One of two equal parts of a whole.
- fourth
- One of four equal parts of a whole, also called a quarter.
Want to help your child master measuring and telling time?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 4 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 4 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.