enVision Mathematics Kindergarten, Topic 14: Describe and Compare Measurable Attributes
In this unit, the year closes with measuring words. Your child describes objects as long or short, tall or short, heavy or light, and compares two things directly by standing them side by side or holding one in each hand. Having studied shapes closely, kindergartners now notice size and weight, finishing the year able to say which of two things is longer, taller, or heavier.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 14?
- Describing objects by their length, height, and weight, and noticing that one object can be measured in more than one way. Learn more: Describing how long or heavy things are
- Comparing two objects directly, standing them side by side or holding one in each hand, to say which is longer, taller, or heavier. Learn more: Comparing which is longer, taller, or heavier
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Is a feather heavy or light?
- Heavy
- Light
- Neither
How you can help
- Stand back to back with your child on flat ground in front of a mirror, and talk about who is taller and how you can tell.
- Hand your child a shoe and a book and ask which is heavier, then which is longer, noticing that the two answers can be different.
- Lay two scarves or towels on the floor with their ends lined up, and ask your child which is longer and which is shorter.
Where kids can get stuck
- Describing an object with one word, such as 'big,' instead of naming separate things like long or heavy.
- Calling one child taller while they stand on tiptoe or on a step, instead of on the same floor.
- Assuming the longest object is also the heaviest, like a long paper tube compared with a can of soup.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- length
- How long something is from one end to the other.
- height
- How tall something is from bottom to top.
- weight
- How heavy something is.
- longer
- Stretching further from end to end than something else.
- shorter
- Not as long or not as tall as something else.
- taller
- Reaching higher from the floor than something else.
- heavier
- Weighing more; harder to lift.
- lighter
- Weighing less; easier to lift.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with measuring and comparing?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Kindergarten Topic 14 cover?
enVision Mathematics Kindergarten Topic 14 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.