1. Introduction

Mathematics becomes easier for children when they connect numbers to the real world. Measurement is one such topic where children use maths every day without realising it.

When we ask:

• “How long is this pencil?”
• “How heavy is this bag?”
• “How much water can this bottle hold?”

We are talking about Length, Weight and Capacity.

2. What is Measurement?

Measurement means finding out “how much” of something is there.

• When we measure length, we find out how long something is.
• When we measure weight, we find out how heavy something is.
• When we measure capacity, we find out how much a container can hold.

3. Measurement of Length

3.1 What is Length?

Length tells us how long or tall an object is.

3.2 Comparing Lengths

• A tree is taller than a house.
• A chalk stick is shorter than a scale.
• A ribbon can be longer or shorter than another ribbon.

3.3 Non-Standard Units

Children can use handspan, footsteps, cubit, or paper clips to measure.

3.4 Standard Units

• Metre (m): long objects.
• Centimetre (cm): small objects.

3.5 Tools for Measuring Length

• Ruler (in cm)
• Measuring tape (in m and cm)

4. Measurement of Weight

4.1 What is Weight?

Weight tells us how heavy or light an object is.

4.2 Comparing Weights

• A brick is heavier than a ball.
• A balloon is lighter than a book.

4.3 Non-Standard Units

Children may use stones or blocks to compare weights.

4.4 Standard Units

• Kilogram (kg): heavy objects like rice, fruits.
• Gram (g): light objects like a coin, chocolate.

1000 g = 1 kg

4.5 Tools for Measuring Weight

• Balance scale
• Weighing machine
• Pan balance

5. Measurement of Capacity

5.1 What is Capacity?

Capacity tells us how much liquid a container can hold.

5.2 Comparing Capacities

• A bucket holds more water than a mug.
• A jug holds less water than a drum.

5.3 Non-Standard Units

Children can use cups, spoons, or mugs to measure liquids.

5.4 Standard Units

• Litre (L): large quantities of liquid.
• Millilitre (ml): small quantities.

1000 ml = 1 L

5.5 Tools for Measuring Capacity

• Measuring jug
• Bottles with markings

6. Real-Life Examples

• A tailor measures cloth in metres.
• A shopkeeper weighs rice in kilograms.
• A milkman sells milk in litres.
• A doctor gives medicine in millilitres.

7. Activities

8. Story Time

Raju went to the market. He bought:

• 2 metres of cloth
• 1 kilogram of sugar
• 2 litres of milk

This shows that we use length, weight and capacity in everyday shopping.

9. Word Problems

1. A bottle holds 2 litres of juice. How many litres in 3 bottles? 6 litres
2. A pencil is 10 cm long. A ruler is 30 cm long. Which is longer? Ruler
3. A packet of biscuits weighs 100 g. How many packets make 1 kg? 10 packets
4. A jug holds 5 cups of water. How many cups will 2 jugs hold? 10 cups

10. Common Mistakes

• Confusing weight with size.
• Thinking capacity depends only on shape.
• Using wrong unit (e.g., “5 metres milk”).

11. Tips for Teachers

• Use real objects, not just pictures.
• Allow children to handle and compare.
• Start with non-standard units first.
• Connect lessons to shopping, cooking, and nature.

12. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

1. A book is about ___ cm long.
2. A bag of rice weighs about 10 ___.
3. A bucket can hold 15 ___.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct unit

1. Length of a rope (cm/m).
2. Weight of a cow (g/kg).
3. Capacity of a glass (ml/L).

Exercise 3: Compare and Answer

1. Which is heavier: a feather or a brick?
2. Which can hold more: a jug or a glass?
3. Which is longer: a pencil or a ruler?

13. Summary