Year 4 Spring Block 2

Spring Block 2: Measurement – Length and Perimeter


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Week 4 Small Steps:

  • Measure in kilometres and metres
  • Find equivalent lengths (m and km)
  • Find the perimeter on a grid
  • Calculate the perimeter of a rectangle
  • Calculate the perimeter of rectilinear shapes

Week 5 Small Steps:

  • Find missing lengths
  • Calculate perimeters with missing lengths
  • Calculate the perimeter of regular polygons
  • Calculate the perimeter of irregular polygons

National Curriculum Objectives:

  • Convert between different units of measure (e.g. kilometre to metre; hour to minute)
  • Measure and calculate the perimeter of a rectilinear figure (including squares) in centimetres and metres

Spring Block 2: Measurement – Length and Perimeter

Our Spring Block 2: Measurement resources help pupils develop their understanding of length and perimeter, building key skills in measuring and calculating distances. This block introduces pupils to kilometres and metres, equivalent lengths, and perimeter calculations, laying the foundation for more complex measurement concepts.

What’s covered in this block?

Over two weeks, pupils will learn how to:

• Measure in kilometres and metres
• Convert between metres and kilometres
• Find and calculate perimeters on grids and rectilinear shapes
• Identify and calculate missing lengths to determine perimeter
• Calculate the perimeter of regular and irregular polygons

Week 4: Introducing length and perimeter

Pupils begin by measuring in kilometres and metres, exploring how these units relate to one another. They will then work on converting between metres and kilometres, reinforcing their understanding of measurement equivalences.

Once they have a solid grasp of length, pupils will move on to perimeter. They will start by finding the perimeter of shapes on a grid before calculating the perimeter of rectangles and other rectilinear shapes.

Week 5: Advancing perimeter skills

Building on their previous learning, pupils will now calculate perimeters when some side lengths are missing. They will:

• Identify missing lengths in different shapes
• Calculate perimeters with missing values
• Work with regular polygons, using knowledge of side lengths to determine total perimeter
• Apply their understanding to irregular polygons, using logical reasoning and addition skills

Why this block is important

Understanding length and perimeter is an essential part of maths, supporting learning in geometry, measurement, and real-life problem-solving. By the end of this block, pupils will:

• Be confident in measuring and converting between metres and kilometres
• Understand how to calculate perimeter for different shapes, including those with missing lengths
• Be able to apply their knowledge in practical contexts, such as measuring distances or working with maps

Supporting pupils’ progress

These resources include step-by-step guidance, engaging activities, and structured practice to ensure all pupils can develop their measurement and perimeter skills effectively. The lessons provide clear explanations and real-world examples to make learning meaningful.

This block also includes access to a free Year 4 maths yearly overview and valuable maths subject leader resources to support planning and assessment.