Kindergarten · Measurement & Data
K.MD.A.1: Describe measurable attributes
K.MD.A.1 is a kindergarten Common Core math standard in Measurement & Data. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Describe several measurable attributes of a single object.
In plain words
Describe measurable attributes.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Is a feather heavy or light?
- Heavy
- Light
- Neither
Where students can get stuck
- Describing an object with one word, such as "big," instead of naming separate qualities like long or heavy.
- Assuming the longest object is also the heaviest, and being surprised a paper towel tube weighs less than a can of beans.
- Using "short" and "light" as if they mean the same, calling a small but heavy stone light.
Effective teaching strategies
- Hold up a large block and ask for more than one describing word, such as long, heavy, or tall, so “big” turns into specific attributes.
- Have students hold a long, light object, such as a cardboard tube, in one hand and a short, heavy one, such as a solid wooden block, in the other, and say which is longer and which is heavier.
- Make a two-column chart headed length and weight, and have students place the words long, short, heavy, and light under the right heading.
Units that teach this standard
Find where K.MD.A.1 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Describing how long or heavy things are for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice measurement and data at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.