2nd Grade Math Lesson Plan

Hook/Introduction

Tape the pictures of cereal, spoon, knife, and straw on the board. Tell the students:

“In our measurement lesson today, we’ll be learning to use the right tools. Just like you would choose the right tool to eat your bowl of cereal– a spoon–because the other two options aren’t right for that particular food, choosing the right way to measure objects is very important. 

Ask students to share what measuring tools they already know. 

After they answer, briefly review what tools they’ll use today and when each is typically used: 

• Ruler: small objects
• Yardstick: medium or long straight objects
• Measuring tape: medium, long, or flexible objects

Learning Activities 

Direct Instruction

To introduce the activity, place a pencil on the table. Ask students to turn to their desk partner and discuss which tool they would use to measure the length and why, then choose students to share with the class. Do this with each tool.

Before moving to guided and independent practice, address any confusion. Ask questions like: 

• “If I wanted to measure a crayon, would I use a yardstick?”
• “Can some objects be measured with more than one tool? Why or why not?”
• “If an object is longer than my ruler, what could I do?”
• “If two students measure the same object and get different answers, what might have happened? What would you do next?”

Guided Practice

Set up sample objects at the front of the classroom. Have student volunteers measure the objects, ensuring that the rest of the class can see the hatch marks on the tools. (Depending on the size of the class, you may need to magnify the tools on a projector or smart board). With your help, encourage students to explain their thinking and model how to write their answers on the recording sheet. 

Before independent work, do a “fist to five” where students hold up a certain number of fingers to demonstrate their understanding. Review if needed. 

Independent/Small Group Work

To prepare, place objects around the room at numbered stations. Examples of objects:

1. box of markers 
2. Desk
3. Door
4. Book
5. Glue Bottle
6. Whiteboard
7. Square rug

Students work in pairs and rotate to each station, where they must: 

• Discuss which tool works best
• Measure the object– each must measure individually
• Compare answers and remeasure if needed
• Record their measurement and the tool used

As the students work, visit each station to check for understanding, and provide scaffolding or challenge where needed. Here are a few ideas: 

Optional Support: 

• A small visual reference card showing pictures of the measuring tools and reminding  students which tool works best for different-sized objects. 
• A checklist of reminders, such as: start at 0, hold the tool straight, and carefully write the number and the unit. 

Optional Challenge: 

• An extra recording sheet where students must measure the same object with a second tool, compare the results, and determine which tool was best and why. 
• Prior to measuring, students must make an estimate and then compare it with the actual measurement.

Wrap Up

As a whole class, review the completed worksheets, asking for volunteers to share their answers. Encourage the students to reflect on their work with questions like: 

• What is one new thing you learned about measurement today?
• Were any of the tools easier to use than others? If so, which ones? 
• Did you ever get a different answer than your partner? What did you do next? 

Teacher Reflection for Measurement Lesson

Asking yourself the following questions after the lesson will help you reflect and make adjustments as needed

• What went well? How do I know? 
• Did the students meet the learning goals? What evidence do I have? 
• Did anything surprise me during the lesson? 
• How did the students respond to the extra support/challenges? 
• Would I adjust the pacing next time?
• Do my students need more practice with this specific skill?

For more measurement practice, head over to Dreambox Math. There, your students will find a fun, interactive online math program tailored specifically to their needs.