Year 3 - Length

These outdoor maths lessons turn measuring into a hands-on adventure, from scavenger hunts and chalk towns to scaling 2D shapes with natural resources. Packed with movement, teamwork, and creativity, each activity helps pupils secure key measurement skills in a fun and memorable way.

Lesson Plans

Measuring using metres and centimetres

Use this outdoor lesson to develop your children’s skill of measuring by going on an exciting scavenger hunt, collecting items based on estimation. Your children will also have the opportunity to visually see how accurate their measuring skills are by completing a fun class challenge relating to heights!

Learning objective:

To understand how to measure using metres and centimetres.

Measuring in millimetres

In this outdoor lesson, your children will develop their understanding of how to measure using millimetres by working collaboratively to measure natural objects of a specific length. Bring a fun creative element into the end of the lesson where your children follow instructions to measure and draw their own floral design.

Learning objective:

To understand how to measure using millimetres.

Finding equivalent lengths

The main activity of this outdoor lesson has your class working in teams to hunt for equivalent measures and then work large-scale to accurately draw these too1! A creative lesson that brings in plenty of physical movement for your children while being easy to resource and prepare!

Learning objective:

To find equivalent lengths.

Adding and subtracting lengths

Have your children apply their skills of measuring using this unique and fun outdoor lesson. They will have opportunities to measure natural items, as well as follow clues to create a chalk town, all while securing their understanding of adding and subtracting measurements in context in a physically active and engaging way!

Learning objective:

To add and subtract lengths.

Scaling measurements by integers

The main activity of this outdoor lesson asks your children to start toa apply their understanding of measure to 2D shapes, linking this to perimeter. Your children will have the opportunity to work collaboratively, using natural resources, to create and scale 2D shapes in a way that is both active and fun!

Learning objective:

To scale measurements by integers.

Before you get started

Safety and sustainability is super important!