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Measure Lengths Using The Ruler Games for Kids
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    • Measure Length in Centimeters
      Measure Lengths Using The Ruler
      Measure Length in Centimeters

      Take a deep dive into the world of math by learning to measure length in centimeters.

      2 3 2.MD.1
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    • Measure Length in Inches
      Measure Lengths Using The Ruler
      Measure Length in Inches

      Have your own math-themed party by learning how to measure length in inches.

      2 3 2.MD.1
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    • Measure Lengths in Centimeters
      Measure Lengths Using The Ruler
      Measure Lengths in Centimeters

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to measure lengths in centimeters.

      2 3 3.MD.4
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    • Measure Lengths on a Ruler by Subtracting
      Measure Lengths Using The Ruler
      Measure Lengths on a Ruler by Subtracting

      Help your child take flight by learning how to measure lengths on a ruler by subtracting.

      2 3 3.MD.4
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    • Measure Lengths in Inches
      Measure Lengths Using The Ruler
      Measure Lengths in Inches

      Let your child see the world through math-colored shades by measuring lengths in inches!

      2 3 3.MD.4
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    • Measure Lengths in Inches by Subtracting
      Measure Lengths Using The Ruler
      Measure Lengths in Inches by Subtracting

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to measure lengths in inches by subtracting.

      2 3 3.MD.4
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    • Measure Lengths in Half-Inches
      Measure Lengths Using The Ruler
      Measure Lengths in Half-Inches

      Take the first step towards building your math castle by measuring lengths in half-inches.

      3 4 3.MD.4
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    • Measure Lengths in Half-inches by Subtracting
      Measure Lengths Using The Ruler
      Measure Lengths in Half-inches by Subtracting

      Use your math skills to measure lengths in half-inches by subtracting.

      3 4 3.MD.4
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    What Is a Ruler?

    A ruler is a measuring instrument used to determine the length or distance of an object. It typically features straight edges with markings or units of measurement, such as inches or centimeters, enabling precise measurements. Rulers are commonly made from materials like plastic, metal, or wood and are essential tools in various fields, including education, construction, and design.

    Measurement is an integral part of everyday life, whether estimating travel time, shopping expenses, or crossing a puddle's width. Measurements include time, weight, length, and capacity. Metric units like millimeters, centimeters, and meters are used for length, while customary units like inches, feet, and yards are common in the USA. In geometry, technical drawing, and civil engineering, lengths are crucial, and rulers serve three main purposes: measuring, drawing straight lines, and providing a guide for cutting.

    Types of Rulers

    Let’s discuss types of rulers based on their specific purpose. Here are a few common types of rulers:

    Let’s take a look at some commonly used rulers and their measurement markings.

    12-inch ruler: One of the most common rulers is a 12-inch ruler.

    12 inch ruler

     

    This can be used to measure various objects that are available in the classroom such as the length of the table, bench, duster etc.

    Centimeter ruler: When it comes to metric measurements, the ruler in cm and ruler in mm are most common.

    Centimeter ruler

     

    Rulers marked with inches and cm: In general, one side of the rulers used at this level will be marked in centimeters and the other side in inch measurements.

    Ruler marked in inches and cm

     

    Types of rulers based on the material used include metal ruler, plastic ruler, wooden ruler, etc.

    How To Read a Ruler

    How To Measure Length Using a Ruler

    When measuring length using a ruler, one of the most important things is to line up the initial mark of the ruler with the tip of the object to be measured. A ruler is read from left to right, and the number aligned with the end of the object or distance represents its measurement.

    The given images show the ruler game that involves measuring the length of everyday objects with the rule.

    Example 1: The length of the given crayon is 18 cm.

    One end is lined up with 0 cm. 

    Other end is at 18 cm.

    Length of crayon = 18 cm - 0 cm = 18 cm

    Measuring length of a crayon using ruler

     

    Example 2: The length of the below crayon is not 18 cm as the bottom end of the crayon doesn’t line up with the zero of the ruler.

    Measuring length using ruler when initial point is not lined up with 0

     

    One end is lined up with 2 cm. 

    Other end is at 18 cm.

    Length of crayon = 18 cm - 2 cm = 16 cm

    Are you looking for ‘Reading a Ruler Games’ for kids? Make sure to explore these amazing Games for kids on Measuring Lengths and excel in measurement skills!

    Measuring Halves and Fourths of a Whole on Ruler

    In the next level, more accurate rulers marking halves and quarters are introduced to kids. Children have a basic knowledge of fractions which can be applied here. They already know that two halves or four-fourths make a whole. Children have already learned how to plot or read fractions on a number line. This would help them relate the ruler markings with the number line.

    When measurements on a ruler are till the half of a whole, each whole is equally divided into two. In an online 12 inch ruler, the first mark after 0 would be at ½, the second one at 1, the fourth one at 1½  and so on. There would be 24 marks on the 12-inch ruler.

    When measurements on a ruler are till the quarter of a whole, each whole is equally divided into four. In a one inch ruler, the first mark after 0 would be at ¼, the second one at ½, the third one at ¾, and the fourth one at 1. In a similar way, each whole is divided into 4.

    The below ruler measures halves and fourths of an inch:

    1/4 and 1/2 on a ruler

     

    Usually, 1/4 on a ruler is marked with equal heights but shorter than the ½ mark.

    When it comes to metric unit rulers, a unit measurement, a centimeter, would be subdivided into 10 small lines, each measuring one millimeter.

    Ruler marked in cm (understanding fractions of cm)

     

    Worksheets for 3rd graders available at SplashLearn for measuring objects using a digital ruler start with easier ones that measure to the nearest inch. Gradually it advances to measure nearest to the halves and quarters.

    Comparing Lengths Using a Ruler

    The concept of length is introduced by comparing two objects of different sizes. Once children are comfortable with the concept as well as the vocabulary of longer/shorter, more of/ less of etc, they can compare and arrange three or more similar objects.

    Example 1: The games include examples that help children identify shorter or longer objects.

    Identifying shorter object game visual

     

    Example 2: Children learn about the terms - shortest, longest, with the help of colorful visuals and everyday items

    Understanding the terms shortest and longest

     

    Example 3: The basic method of measuring is introduced at this stage using multiple copies of a shorter object. For example, in the below picture the length of the pencil is measured using the number of coins.

    Measure lengths using multiple copies of a shorter object

     

    That is, the length of the pencil is equal to that of 5 coins. One needs to be careful that the shorter object should be lined up properly with the longer object. There shouldn’t be any gap or overlap within the measuring objects. This lays the foundation for the ruler measurements.

    Estimation of Length Using a Ruler

    An estimation is a reasonably close guess or approximation of an object. 

    Kids learn about the estimated length of the body parts of humans such as the arm is about a foot long, arm span is about a meter etc. This helps them get a clearer picture of the length than using the exact measurements with the ruler.

    By then kids have an idea about various units and how much they measure. So, kids can apply this knowledge on estimating the length of the objects that they see around them.

    Estimate length of desk - game visual

     

    Children also learn which measure and unit to be used for an accurate measurement of a given object.

    Identifying units of measurement - game visual

     

    The estimation of lengths in metric units as well as customary units are dealt in separate sections in SplashLearn with a wide range of self-explanatory math problems. Check out these fun Estimate Lengths Games for more details!

    Ruler and Measurement Activities for Kids

    Progression of Measurement Concepts with Ruler across Grades

     

    Grade

    Concepts

    Kindergarten

    - Understand the concept of measurable attributes without actual measurement

    - Identify, describe, analyze, compare, and compose 2D and 3D shapes.

     (using informal language to describe their similarities, differences, parts)

    - Compare two objects with a shared measurable attribute to determine which one has "more" or "less" of that attribute and describe the difference between them.

    Grade 1

    - Ordering similar objects based on length

    - Learn to measure and compare length using shorter objects laid end to end

    Grade 2

    - Introduce different measuring devices (scale rulers, meter sticks, yardsticks, measuring tapes)

    - Learn to read rulers with pictorial examples

    - Measure and estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters

    - Solve word problems related lengths of objects (comparing and finding the difference)

     (Note: Students learn about the actual units of measurement starting from grade 2.)

    Grade 3

    - Introduce ‘inch rulers’ marking halves and quarters of an inch

    - Measure lengths to the nearest halves and quarters using different rulers

    Grade 4

    - Explore the relationship between units within the same system

    - Solve problems involving measurements and conversion of measurement units

     

    How Can Children Use the Concept of Measuring Length with Rulers in Real Life?

    Benefits of Introducing Rulers to Kids through Games

    What Are 5 Best Fun Ruler Games and Activities for Kids?

    Here’s a list of 5 best, fun and interactive Ruler games and activities for kids:

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