Unit Plan 17 (PreK Math): Measure Words—Big & Small

Focus: Build everyday measurement language—big/small, long/short, tall/short—through hands-on compare-and-talk activities using real objects and visuals.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Mathematics (Early Measurement & Comparison)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Children develop compare-and-describe habits using familiar measure words. They line up objects to check long/short, stand items side-by-side for tall/short, and use visual cues to say big/small. The emphasis is on clear words plus evidence (pointing, lining up, quick counts of blocks used to mark height/length).

Essential Questions

• Which words help me describe how big or how long/tall something is?
• How can I show evidence for my compare word (line up, stack, or trace)?
• How do we talk so others understand our measurement ideas?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use measure words to describe objects: big/small, long/short, tall/short.
2. Compare two objects by lining up ends or standing them side-by-side and state which is longer/shorter or taller/shorter.
3. Point to evidence (aligned edges, stacked blocks, traced strips) when making a comparison.
4. Ask and answer simple compare questions using correct labels and gesture/pointing.

Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten

• PK.MD.1 — Describe measurable attributes. Uses words like long/short, heavy/light, empty/full, hot/cold. Example: “The log is long; the twig is short.” (Aligns to: K.MD.1 — language foundation)
• (Supportive) MP.1, MP.3, MP.6 threaded (try a strategy, explain/justify, speak precisely).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can choose a measure word that fits (big/small, long/short, tall/short).
• I can line up or stack to show evidence for my word.
• I can name the objects I am comparing so others understand me.