enVision Mathematics Grade 1, Topic 12: Measure Lengths
In this unit, first graders compare and order lengths and measure objects with length units, same-size things like paper clips or cubes laid end to end. They learn that units must touch, with no gaps or overlaps, and that the count tells how long something is. After the number work of the last unit, this puts counting to use, and next they learn to tell time.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 12?
- Lining up three objects from shortest to longest, and using a third object, like a string, to compare two lengths. Learn more: Ordering three things from shortest to longest
- Measuring with same-size units placed end to end, with no gaps or overlaps, and telling how many units long something is. Learn more: Measuring length by lining up same-size objects
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
- Measure a table or a shoe with spoons or paper clips laid end to end. Ask your child to check that each unit touches the next with no gaps.
- Pick three things, like a pencil, a toothbrush, and a fork, and line them up from shortest to longest, starting from the same edge.
- Measure a door's width with a piece of string, then carry the string to a window and ask which is wider. Talk about how the string helps.
Where kids can get stuck
- Leaving gaps between units while measuring, so the count comes out too small.
- Mixing big and small paper clips and still counting each one as one unit.
- Insisting a thick object is longer because it looks bigger.
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.
- longer
- Having more length than something else.
- shorter
- Having less length than something else.
- compare
- Look at two things to see which is bigger, longer, or the same.
- 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.
- gap
- An empty space between units, which makes a measurement wrong.
- overlap
- When units lie on top of each other, which makes a measurement wrong.
Want to help your child master measuring length?
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 enVision Mathematics Grade 1 Topic 12 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 1 Topic 12 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.