Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten, Unit 8: Measurement and Attributes
In this unit, your child describes objects by what can be measured, such as length, height, and weight; compares two objects directly; and sorts things into groups to count. After a unit on taking numbers apart, this one brings math into everyday objects and sets up the final unit on teen numbers and solid shapes.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 8?
- Naming the attributes of an object, the things we can measure, such as how long, how tall, or how heavy it is. Learn more: Describing how long or heavy things are
- Comparing two objects directly to find which is longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter, or which holds more. Learn more: Comparing which is longer, taller, or heavier
- Sorting objects into groups, counting each group, and putting the groups in order from most to fewest. Learn more: Sorting things into groups and counting them
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
- Pour water between two plastic cups at the sink to find which one holds more. Talk about it together: "This cup holds more, and that cup holds less."
- Pick two things from the laundry basket, like a towel and a sock, and ask which is heavier and which is longer. Notice that one object can be measured in more than one way.
- Sort the laundry together into shirts, socks, and pants. Count each pile, then line up the piles from the one with the most to the one with the fewest.
Where kids can get stuck
- Ordering groups by how much space they take up, so 5 big towels seem like more than 8 socks.
- Calling a small but heavy can light, because small and light seem to mean the same thing.
- Lining up the groups from fewest to most when asked to put them from most to fewest.
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.
- heavier
- Weighing more, so it is harder to lift.
- lighter
- Weighing less, so it is easier to lift.
- holds more
- Has room for a bigger amount inside, like more water.
- sort
- To put things into groups that are alike in some way.
- most
- The greatest number of things.
- fewest
- The smallest number of things.
Want to help your child master measuring and sorting?
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 Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 8 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 8 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.