Pre-K · Measurement & Data
PK.MD.1: Describe size/weight
PK.MD.1 is a Pre-K 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 Pre-K math learning standard
Identify measurable attributes of objects, such as length, and weight. Describe them using correct vocabulary (e.g., small, big, short, tall, empty, full, heavy, and light).
In plain words
Describe size/weight.
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
Between a dog and a giraffe, which animal is taller?
- The dog
- The giraffe
- They are the same height
Where students can get stuck
- Using "big" for everything, so a long pencil, a heavy rock, and a tall glass are all big.
- Thinking a larger object must be heavier, and being surprised when a big balloon is lighter than a small rock.
- Mixing up words for length and height, such as calling a rope lying on the floor tall instead of long.
Effective teaching strategies
- Lay two paper strips side by side with one end lined up and have students say which is longer and which is shorter.
- Let students hold a big foam ball in one hand and a wooden block in the other and ask which feels heavier, so they learn that bigger does not always mean heavier.
- Stand a tower of blocks next to a strip of floor tape lying flat and ask which word fits each, tall or long, so students choose words by what they are measuring.
Share it with families
Families can read Describing length and weight: longer, heavier, taller 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.