Order three things by length
Lining things up and comparing them is your child's first real step into measuring, and comparing two things with a third, like a piece of string, is the logic behind every ruler, tape measure, and measuring cup they will use. Next come units like paper clips, then inches and centimeters in 2nd grade. The reasoning that if A is longer than B and B is longer than C, then A is longer than C, returns again and again.
In this video, your child will learn to put three things in order by length.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
Which is the longest?
Example 2
Which is longer: the ribbon or the pencil?
Your child's turn
Which one is the middle length?
The three key steps
- 1Line up the ends.
- 2Order them from shortest to longest.
- 3If you can't line them up, compare each one with a third thing.
Mistakes to listen for
- Comparing lengths without lining up the ends, so a shorter pencil that sticks out further looks longer.
- Placing the third object in the wrong spot, putting the middle-length item at one end of the row.
- Ignoring what the string shows and insisting one item is longer because it looks bigger or thicker.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to ordering three things from shortest to longest →
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Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice ordering three things from shortest to longest, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to ordering three things from shortest to longest has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice ordering three things from shortest to longest
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on ordering three things from shortest to longest and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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