Unit Plan 33 (PreK Math): Measure & Compare Review
Compare length, weight, and capacity using hands-on methods (line up, hold, pour), and justify which object is longer, heavier, or holds more with clear evidence.
Focus: Revisit length, weight, and capacity; make and justify comparisons using direct observation (side-by-side, in-hand, pour & look).
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Mathematics (Measurement—Describe & Compare)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Children return to everyday measurement ideas—how long, how heavy, how much a container can hold—and practice saying what they notice with clear compare words. They use simple, hands-on checks (lining up, holding two objects, pouring) and explain why one is longer, heavier, or holds more.
Essential Questions
- How can we tell which object is longer/shorter, heavier/lighter, or holds more/less?
- What does it look like to compare directly without numbers?
- How do we explain our comparison so others can see our evidence?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Use measurement words to describe an object’s length, weight, or capacity.
- Directly compare two objects by lining up ends, holding in hands, or pouring between containers.
- Make simple claims (e.g., “This is longer,” “This holds more”) and justify with what they saw.
- Choose a tool or action (line up, balance, pour) that fits the comparison task.
Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten
- PK.MD.1 — Describe measurable attributes. Description: Uses words like long/short, heavy/light, empty/full, hot/cold. Example: Says the log is “long,” the twig is “short.” Aligns to: K.MD.1 (language foundation).
- PK.MD.2 — Direct compare two objects. Description: Places objects side-by-side/in hand to compare length/weight/capacity. Example: Holds two blocks to decide which is heavier. Aligns to: K.MD.2 (direct).
- Mathematical Practices: MP.1–MP.6 threaded.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can describe objects with words like long/short, heavy/light, full/empty.
- I can compare by lining up, holding, or pouring to see which is more/less.
- I can explain my choice: “It’s longer because the ends are lined up and it sticks out.”