In Year 2 children will be expected to measure using the standard unit of centimetres and be familiar with the abbreviation ‘cm’. Lining up a ruler to start from zero rather than the edge or 1 cm mark is essential to get accurate measurements.

Children will also begin to measure larger objects using metres, perhaps with a metre stick. When measuring it is important to use the most suitable unit; for example, deciding when it would be sensible to measure in metres rather than centimetres and what would be the most efficient equipment to do so. It takes some time to develop a sense of how long a centimetre or a metre is and plenty of practical work is needed. We have a great collection of worksheets as an introduction to this, so why not take a look now.

Once familiar with these units, children will be expected to compare and order lengths.

By the end of the year children should be able to order more than two lengths, from shortest to longest, at first using only the same unit of measurement. This will also help with ordering numbers to 100.

There are plenty of options for you to choose from on the site so why not take a look at all our measurement resources now.