Strengthen Linear Measurement Skills With a Match-Up Activity!

If you’ve ever taught linear measurement to students, you know how quickly they can become overwhelmed with all of the little lines on a ruler. Measuring objects to the nearest inch may be simple for your students, but once you start introducing ½ and ¼ inch increments, that can be the challenging part. This measurement resource was designed to give your students an opportunity to use a physical ruler to measure different pictures.

For this activity, students will measure each card to the nearest ¼ inch, record their answer on the recording sheet, and match it with the appropriate card.

Through this activity, students will show they can measure objects to the nearest ¼ inch.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this measurement activity to enhance learning through guided math groups or whole class lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need support understanding the concepts by using a printable paper ruler and color code each quarter-inch increment. For example, all of the ¼ inch marks could be blue, ½ inch marks could be green, and ¾ inch marks could be yellow. They may help students distinguish between the many lines on a ruler. Additionally, provide access to previous assignments, as well as posters and anchor charts for students to recall past lessons.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who may need a bit of a challenge, encourage them to draw pictures or lines of varying lengths and give them to a friend to measure. Encourage students to stay within the ¼ inch increments or even ⅛ inch increments if you think they are ready!

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.  

This resource was created by Allie Kleijnjans, a teacher in Pennsylvania and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

[resource:4818677]   [resource:4816832]   [resource:4816365]