Measurement for Second Grade

Measuring is a life skill that all students should learn early on, even if they never plan to be an architect.   Teaching second-grade measurement can be so much fun if it’s hands-on.  In this measurement math unit, students will be able to estimate lengths and measure around the room. 

Measuring Around The Room

Every student I have ever taught L*O*V*E*S  getting their hands on the ruler.  They could easily measure anything and everything in sight, once they learned what to do!  I highly recommend setting a few ground rules for HOW to hold the ruler and allow a few minutes to explore and play before the lesson!  They will use rulers, yard or meter sticks, and measuring tapes in this measurement unit.

Second Grade Measurement Lesson Plans

This unit has been great to use in the classroom to supplement the curriculum.  Fortunately, it is a complete unit that can be used alone to thoroughly cover the math standards.  There are so many printables in this measurement packet. Using foldables to discuss the definitions,  math games, and math activities to keep kids engaged and make learning fun! 

Measurement Activities Across Grade Levels

Students absolutely love using rulers, yard or meter sticks, and measuring tapes in this measurement unit. Using simple measurement activities, such as measuring a crayon, a notebook, or their own pencil, can help perfect their measuring skills.  This easy activity can also be easily adapted to a fourth-grade classroom, as well as to middle school if needed.

For most students, the hardest standard is estimating and then measuring (MD.3).  An easy way to estimate is to have them use a body part.  I would have them place their thumbprint on the ruler and see if it measured an inch.  If not, we would check for the first segment of their pointer finger.  For a foot, we would measure from their wrist to their elbow or their actual foot!  Finally, nose to fingertip is sometimes a yard.  I remember my grandmother used to always measure fabric this way!!

Measurement Activities for Second Grade on the Playground

On a sunny day, take them outside with a bucket of sidewalk chalk and start measuring!  Draw a line on the concrete and have them jump to see who can JUMP the farthest.  They LOVE this, especially the competitive boys!  After they jump, I have another student mark the back of their heels on the ground with chalk and write that student’s initials.  There have been years when I would have the girls jump in one area and the boys in another, they were that competitive!! Super easy activity and fun!

Printable and the Standards In this Unit:

• How Can I Decide Which Tool to Use? MD.1
• Measure the Items From Point to Point. MD.1
• Make a Line Plot With Data MD.9
• Measure the Items in INCHES From Point to Point. MD.1
• Estimate Inchworm/Measure Inchworm in Inches MD.1; MD.2; MD.3
• Measure the Items in CENTIMETERS From Point to Point. MD.1 and Make a Line Plot With Data MD.9
• Estimate Inchworm/Measure Inchworm In Centimeters MD.1; MD.2; MD.3
• Estimate How Long It Is. MD.3
• Measurement Word Problems MD.5
• How much longer is it? MD.4

Do you want to grab these printables and hands-on measurement activities for your students?

Check out the unit on TpT  or click the picture below!