First Grade · Math · week 31

Measure with paperclips (nonstandard)

Measure the length of objects using a nonstandard unit laid end to end.

Before rulers, you can measure with everyday objects, like paperclips, laid end to end with no gaps and no overlaps. Count how many paperclips fit along the object -- that count is the length.

The unit you pick matters: an object measured in paperclips will need a different-sounding number than the same object measured in pennies.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Gather identical small objects, like paperclips, blocks, or coins, and actually measure real things around the house.
  • Model laying units end to end carefully -- this is a skill in itself, not just counting.
  • Ask what would happen with a bigger or smaller unit, to build the idea that the unit size matters.
  • Keep it playful -- measuring the family pet or a shoe is more fun than a worksheet.
Talk about it:
  • Why do the units need to touch with no gaps or overlaps?
  • If you used a bigger unit, would you need more or fewer of them?
  • What did you measure today, and how long was it?

Mastery looks like: They measure an object length accurately using a nonstandard unit placed end to end with no gaps or overlaps.

Common stumbles: Leaving gaps or letting units overlap; switching to a different unit partway through a measurement.

Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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