What we can measure
Before your child measures anything, they need to know what can be measured. Once they understand that length and weight are separate, they won't assume a long object must be heavy. This leads to comparing objects in kindergarten, measuring length with paper clips or cubes in 1st grade, and using rulers in 2nd grade. It also helps with everyday choices, like picking a bag big enough or a box light enough to carry.
In this video, your child will learn to describe what we can measure.
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
What tells how long the pencil is?
Example 2
What tells how heavy the book is?
Your child's turn
What else can we measure about the ribbon?
The three key steps
- 1Length is how long something is.
- 2Weight is how heavy something is.
- 3One thing can have both!
Mistakes to listen for
- 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.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to describing how long or heavy things are →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
Join the clubMore kid-friendly lessons
More Kindergarten Measurement & Data, with questions your child answers along the way.
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 describing how long or heavy things are, 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 describing how long or heavy things are 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 describing how long or heavy things are
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on describing how long or heavy things are and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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