Everyday Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 4: Length and Addition Facts
In this unit, your child measures length by lining up same-size objects and compares which things are longer or shorter. Alongside measuring, they keep building quick recall of addition facts within 20. It follows the number stories unit and leads into place value, where children look closely at tens and ones.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 4?
- Building speed with addition facts within 20 using doubles, like 6 + 6, and making a ten, like 9 + 4 = 10 + 3. Learn more about adding within 20: Adding within 20 · Learn more about subtracting within 20
- Putting three objects in order from shortest to longest, and comparing two lengths by holding each one up to a third object. Learn more: Ordering three things from shortest to longest
- Measuring length by laying same-size objects end to end, with no gaps or overlaps, and counting how many fit. 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
Mia has 7 toy cars. Her friend gives her 2 more toy cars. How many toy cars does Mia have now?
- 8
- 10
- 9
How you can help
- Measure a table with spoons laid end to end. Ask your child to check for gaps and overlaps, then count the spoons and say how long the table is.
- Line up three shoes from the hall closet and ask your child to put them in order from shortest to longest, then explain how they know.
- Call out a doubles fact, like 7 + 7, while setting the table, and follow it with the near double, 7 + 8. Ask how knowing one helps with the other.
Where kids can get stuck
- Leaving gaps between paper clips when measuring, so the count comes out too small for the object.
- Starting the measuring line partway along the object, instead of lining the first object up with the end.
- Counting all over again for a fact like 9 + 5, instead of making a ten with 9 + 1 + 4.
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.
- measure
- Find out how long or big something is by counting units.
- length unit
- A same-size object, like a paper clip, used again and again to measure.
- gap
- An empty space left between objects when measuring.
- overlap
- When objects lie on top of each other instead of end to end.
- compare
- Look at two things to decide which is more, less, longer, or shorter.
- doubles
- Facts that add a number to itself, like 6 + 6 = 12.
- make a ten
- Break apart a number so one part fills a ten, like 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with 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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 4 cover?
Everyday 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.