Comparing lengths
I can use the language of comparing numbers to compare different lengths.
Comparing lengths
I can use the language of comparing numbers to compare different lengths.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Lengths can be compared using longer, taller and shorter.
- A length can be the longest tallest or the shortest of a set of measurements.
- Height is a type of length.
- Lengths can be equal to one another.
- Objects can be ordered by height and length.
Keywords
Length - How long from end to end.
Height - How tall from bottom to top.
Longest - The object in a set that is longer than all the others.
Shortest - The object in a set that is shorter than all the others.
Tallest - The object in a set that is taller than all the others.
Common misconception
When comparing objects, children may think that one is longer or taller because they have not aligned them to start at the same point.
Encourage children to place objects on a flat surface such as a table when comparing height, or against a wall when comparing length to make sure that they have the same start point.
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Comparing lengths, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Comparing lengths, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Numbers 0 to 20 in different contexts unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions








Exit quiz
6 Questions





