In this ready-to-teach Maths scheme of work for Year 4, children are given the opportunity to develop their understanding of length, and how to estimate, measure and record accurately.

They learn about the relationships between the different units of measurement, and how to convert from one to another using their multiplication and division skills. They then apply this knowledge in order to compare and order different lengths, solve problems and conduct investigations involving length.

Estimating and Measuring Accurately

In this first lesson, children will discuss what length is and how it is measured. They will learn what each single unit of measurement looks like, and understand what an estimate is. Children will recap on how to measure accurately using a ruler, and know how to use decimal notation when recording lengths. In their independent activities, they will estimate, measure and record various lengths.

Conversion

Children develop their understanding about the relationships between the different units of measurement. They will learn how to use their multiplication facts to convert from a larger unit of measurement to a smaller one, and their division facts to convert from a smaller unit of measurement to a larger one. Knowledge and understanding of place value is revisited in order to record measurements in decimal form where needed.

Comparing and Ordering

Children first recap on their understanding of the relationship facts between the different units of length. They then use this knowledge to compare and order lengths that are recorded in different units. In their independent activities, children have the option of applying what they have learnt in a Top Trumps game.

Solving Problems

In this lesson, children use their knowledge and understanding of how to convert between different units in order to solve one- and two-step addition and subtraction problems involving length. In their independent activities, children will match the correct answers to questions, or in the alternate activity, extract the relevant information from a fact file in order to solve the problem.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding of Length

In this final lesson, children will revise what they have learnt about length before applying this knowledge to one of the independent activities. Children will either work in pairs to estimate, measure, record, convert and order measurements, or they will work as a group to conduct a chosen length investigation.