Measuring Is So Much Fun!

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Explain the focus of the lesson by saying, "Today we are going to be comparing things to find out if they are shorter, longer, or the same size. Comparing means looking to see how things are different or the same."
• Display two items you collected and show them to the class (e.g., a small toy car and a bigger toy car) and model how to measure the items with your ruler. Show your students how to compare the items using the ruler to see if one is bigger or smaller, or if they are the same size.
• Display the vocabulary cards on the board for reference.
• Model how to use the new vocabulary words when comparing objects by saying something like, "The red car is shorter than the ruler. The blue car is longer than the ruler. The red car is smaller than the blue car."
• Hold up another pair of objects. Ask, "Which one is bigger?" and have the class turn and talk to share with a partner.

Guided Practice

• Compare the two items as a class and invite the students to share ideas of how they know if something is bigger/smaller/same size.
• Explain that students will now get to compare objects with a partner.
• Pair students with a partner. Then pass out a ruler and one object to each student (e.g., crayons, markers, pencils).
• Have students use their rulers to practice comparing with their partner to see if they are bigger, smaller, or the same size.
• Call the class back together and invite students to share out their findings. Provide support for students to use mathematical vocabulary to describe their findings such as: "bigger," "smaller," "same."

Group work time

• Explain that now students will get even more practice comparing objects!
• Display the Measuring Scavenger Hunt worksheet and go over the instructions.
• Have students work with a partner to find, compare, and record their objects.