Measuring, Sorting and Describing Things: Kindergarten Study Guide
Before children measure with rulers, they learn to describe how things differ: longer or shorter, heavier or lighter.
Everything has attributes that can be measured: length (how long), height (how tall), weight (how heavy) and capacity (how much it holds). In Kindergarten children use everyday words such as long, short, tall, heavy, light, full and empty.
They also learn to sort objects into categories, such as by color, shape or size, and count how many are in each category. Sorting is the beginning of data and graphs.
Comparing
To compare lengths, line up the ends of two objects on the same starting line. The one that sticks out further is longer. To compare weights, hold one in each hand, or use a balance: the heavier side goes down.
| Compare | Words to use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Length | longer, shorter | A pencil is longer than an eraser. |
| Height | taller, shorter | A tree is taller than a bush. |
| Weight | heavier, lighter | A book is heavier than a feather. |
| Capacity | holds more, holds less | A bucket holds more than a cup. |
Sorting and counting
Sorting means putting things that are alike together. You can sort a bag of buttons by color, size or number of holes. After sorting, count each group and say which has the most and the least.
What is the same and different about the objects?
Color, shape or size.
Put each object in the right group.
Which has more? Which has fewer?
Measuring with units
Before using a ruler, children measure with non-standard units such as paper clips, cubes or hands. Place the units end to end with no gaps. It is important to use the same unit each time so the measurements can be compared.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Sort 10 buttons: 4 red, 3 blue and 3 green. Red has the most. Blue and green are equal. Common mistakes: starting a measurement from the wrong place, leaving gaps between units, and thinking taller always means heavier. A tall, light balloon weighs less than a short, heavy rock.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Answers vary, such as a bed or a bookshelf. 2. You could sort by color and by size. A clear rule makes each toy belong to just one group. 3. A shoe is usually heavier. Hold one in each hand, or put them on a balance and see which side goes down.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Length, weight and capacity can be compared with words like longer, heavier and holds more.
- Line up objects at one end to compare length.
- Sort by a rule, then count each group.
- Use the same unit each time when measuring.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Name two things in your room that are longer than your arm.
- Sort 12 toys in two ways. What rules did you use?
- Which is heavier, a shoe or a sock? How could you check?
Print graph paper for sorting →