Zearn Math Kindergarten, Mission 3: Comparison of Length, Weight, Capacity, and Numbers to 10
In this unit, your child compares: which object is longer, heavier, or holds more, and which group or number is greater. They describe what can be measured, like length and weight, and compare numbers from 1 to 10. It builds on the shapes unit and prepares your child for number pairs, addition, and subtraction next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 3?
- Matching or counting two groups of objects to tell which group has more, which has fewer, or if they are the same. Learn more: Which group has more, fewer, or the same
- Comparing written numbers from 1 to 10 and saying which is greater or less, such as 9 is greater than 6. Learn more: Comparing numbers from 1 to 10
- Describing an object by its length, its weight, or its capacity, which is how much it can hold. Learn more: Describing how long or heavy things are
- Comparing two objects directly, lining up ends for longer, lifting for heavier, and pouring for which holds more. 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
You and your friend each have 7 stickers. Who has more?
- You
- You both have the same
- Your friend
How you can help
- Line up two stuffed animals with their feet even and ask which is taller. Then hold one in each hand and ask which is heavier.
- Fill a small plastic bowl and a big plastic mug with water at bath time, then pour one into the other. Ask which one holds more.
- Set out two plates of apple slices you cut ahead of time, such as 5 and 8. Ask which plate has more, count to check, and say 8 is greater than 5.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking the taller container always holds more, without pouring to check.
- Calling one stuffed animal taller while it sits on a pillow instead of the floor.
- Picking the plate that looks fuller, even when the other plate has more slices when counted.
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
- compare
- To look at two things to see which is more, less, or the same.
- longer
- Taking up more length from end to end.
- heavier
- Weighing more, so it is harder to lift.
- capacity
- How much a container can hold.
- holds more
- Has room for a bigger amount inside, like more water.
- greater
- More, or a bigger number.
- less
- Not as many, or a smaller number.
- same
- Exactly as many, with none extra.
Want to help your child master comparing size and 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.
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 Zearn Math Kindergarten Mission 3 cover?
Zearn Math Kindergarten Mission 3 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.