Explain measurement conversion by incorporating measurements your students already know. For example, fourth graders already know what a meter and a centimeter are, but they may not be fluent in the skill of converting one into the other. One way to teach this is by eliminating an aspect of a measuring tool, such as having them weigh something in pounds and then convert it to ounces without having ounce measurements shown to them.
Incorporate new types of measuring devices, such as a protractor, that help them expand on measurement skills they already know. Measuring angles of real objects can help them incorporate beginning geometry work into their measurement practice.
Carry measurement skills across the curriculum. In fourth grade, students will become adept enough with both metric and U.S. measurements that they can use the information on math problems and also on science projects.
Take the measurements beyond numbers and into words. Once a student has memorized the fact that you multiply each inch by 12 to get a foot, he will be able to complete word problems, estimate distances and quantities and write his own simple stories involving units of measure.