enVision Mathematics Grade 2, Topic 12: Measure Lengths
In this unit, your child measures length with rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes. They estimate before they measure, measure the same object in inches and in centimeters, and find how much longer one object is than another. Next, these measurements turn into story problems and number line work.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 12?
- Choosing a ruler, yardstick, meter stick, or measuring tape for a job, and measuring from the zero mark. Learn more: Measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape
- Measuring one object in inches and in centimeters and explaining why the smaller unit gives the bigger number. Learn more: Measuring in inches and in centimeters
- Estimating lengths in inches, feet, centimeters, and meters using a benchmark, such as a thumb's width for about an inch. Learn more: Estimating lengths in inches, feet, and meters
- Measuring two objects in the same unit and finding how much longer one is by subtracting. Learn more: Measuring how much longer one thing is
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
A door is measured using which tool?
- Ruler
- Measuring Tape
- Small paper clip
How you can help
- Measure a book in inches and then in centimeters, and ask why the centimeter number is bigger for the same book.
- Guess the length of a hallway, a table, or a bed in feet, then measure with a tape and see how close the guess was.
- Compare two shoes or two spoons and ask how many inches longer one is than the other, not how long both are together.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking a 25-centimeter book is longer than the same book at 10 inches because 25 is a bigger number.
- Measuring one object in inches and the other in centimeters, then comparing them as if the units matched.
- Lining the object up with the edge of the ruler instead of the zero mark.
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
- inch
- A small unit of length, about the width of a grown-up's thumb.
- foot
- A unit of length equal to 12 inches, about as long as a ruler.
- centimeter
- A small metric unit of length, about the width of a fingertip.
- meter
- A metric unit of length equal to 100 centimeters, a bit longer than a yardstick.
- yardstick
- A measuring stick that is 1 yard, or 3 feet, long.
- measuring tape
- A long, bendable strip marked with units, for measuring big or curved things.
- estimate
- A smart guess about an amount or a length, made before measuring or counting.
- benchmark
- A length you already know that helps you estimate, like a paper clip for about an inch.
- unit
- The amount you measure with, like an inch, a foot, or a centimeter.
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.
Join the club
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 2 Topic 12 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 2 Topic 12 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 2.MD.A.1: Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools.
- 2.MD.A.2: Measure the length of an object twice, using length units of different lengths.
- 2.MD.A.3: Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
- 2.MD.A.4: Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another.
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.