Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten, Unit 5: Numbers 10-20 and Weight
In this unit, your child learns that the teen numbers, 11 to 19, are made of ten ones and some more ones. They keep counting higher toward 100 and start describing what they can measure, such as how heavy something is. It builds on comparing numbers to 10 and leads into length and solid shapes in the next unit.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 5?
- Counting aloud past 20 toward 100 by ones, and counting by tens all the way to 100. Learn more about counting to 100 by ones: Counting to 100 by ones · Learn more about counting to 100 by tens
- Seeing teen numbers as a group of ten plus some more ones, such as 16 = 10 + 6. Learn more: Teen numbers as ten and some more
- Describing what can be measured about an object, such as its weight or length, with words like heavy, light, long, and short. Learn more: Describing how long or heavy things are
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
What comes next? 10, 20, 30, 40, __
- 60
- 50
- 41
How you can help
- Build teen numbers with large blocks: make a tower of exactly 10, then set more blocks beside it. Say it together: "Ten and 4 more make 14."
- Lift two things from a grocery bag, such as a box of cereal and a bag of apples, and ask which feels heavier. Then talk about which one is taller.
- Count by tens while you jump or clap, saying each ten a little louder: 10, 20, 30, all the way to 100.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking the 1 in 16 means one object, and showing 16 with just 1 block and 6 blocks.
- Using the word big for every size, instead of saying heavy, long, or tall.
- Assuming the longest object must also be the heaviest one, without lifting both to check.
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
- teen number
- A number from 11 to 19, made of ten and some more ones.
- ten ones
- Ten single things, which together make one ten.
- ones
- Single things, counted one at a time.
- count by tens
- Saying 10, 20, 30, and on, adding one group of ten each time.
- weight
- How heavy something is.
- heavy
- Hard to lift, with a lot of weight.
- light
- Easy to lift, with little weight.
- length
- How long something is from one end to the other.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with teen numbers?
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.
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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 Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 5 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 5 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.