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Khan Academy Kids Maths

Where is measurement hiding in Khan Academy Kids measurement talk?

Compare longer, shorter, heavier and lighter in story contexts.

Quick answer

Measurement is all around us, even in the fun world of Khan Academy Kids! You can compare how long, short, heavy, or light things are, and these comparisons help you understand the world better.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to compare lengths, weights, and sizes using everyday words like longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, bigger, and smaller. Success signs:
  • You can say which object is longer or shorter than another
  • You can tell if something is heavier or lighter than something else
  • You can use words like bigger, smaller, taller, or shorter to describe things
  • You can solve simple puzzles or games about comparing sizes

Why this matters

Measurement helps you understand how things fit together, how much you need, and how things change. Whether you're sharing snacks, playing with toys, or helping in the kitchen, comparing sizes and weights is a super helpful skill. It also helps you get better at maths and science later on. In Khan Academy Kids, you'll see how these comparisons are used in fun games and stories, so you're learning while you play!

How it works

Measurement is about comparing things to see which is more or less in size, weight, or length. You can do this in simple ways:
  1. Look at two things and decide which one is longer or shorter
  2. Hold two things and decide which one feels heavier or lighter
  3. Use your eyes to compare how big or small something is
You can also use tools like rulers, scales, or even your hands to help you compare. The more you practice, the better you get at making these comparisons.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some fun examples to help you understand how measurement works: Example 1: Comparing lengths Imagine you have two pencils. One is 10 cm long, and the other is 15 cm long. The second pencil is longer than the first one. You can say, “This pencil is longer than that one.” Example 2: Comparing weights If you have a bag of apples and a bag of oranges, and the apples weigh more than the oranges, you can say, “The apples are heavier than the oranges.” Example 3: Comparing sizes A giraffe is taller than a zebra. A small dog is smaller than a big dog. These are all examples of comparing sizes. Example 4: Using everyday words You can use words like:
  • Longer or shorter
  • Heavier or lighter
  • Bigger or smaller
  • Taller or shorter

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a measurement treasure hunt in your home! Step 1: Find 3 different toys. Compare them by how tall they are. Which one is the tallest? Which one is the shortest? Step 2: Pick 3 books. Decide which one is the heaviest and which one is the lightest. Step 3: Look at 3 cups. See which one is the biggest and which one is the smallest. Step 4: Draw a picture of your treasure hunt. Label which things are longer, heavier, or bigger. Step 5: Tell a grown-up about your discoveries. What did you learn?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that longer means heavier. Why it happens: Children mix up different types of measurement. Fix: Remember, length is how long something is, and weight is how heavy something is. They are different!
  • Mistake: Saying something is taller when it is actually wider. Why it happens: Confusing height with width. Fix: Look at how high something stands, not how wide it is.
  • Mistake: Comparing things that are very different in size. Why it happens: Not knowing how to make fair comparisons. Fix: Use the same way to measure everything – like using the same ruler or the same hand to hold things.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Pointing out things around the house that are longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter
  • Playing simple comparison games during daily activities like cooking or shopping
  • Using words like "bigger", "smaller", "heavier", and "lighter" naturally in conversation
  • Encouraging children to describe how things compare
  • Not worrying if a child makes a mistake – it's part of learning!
What to say:
  • “Which one is longer?”
  • “Can you find something heavier than this?”
  • “Which toy is the smallest?”
What not to do:
  • Don’t pressure your child to get everything right
  • Don’t say “You’re wrong” – instead, say “Let’s look at that again”

Practice questions

  1. Which is longer: a pencil or a ruler?
  2. Which is heavier: a book or a feather?
  3. Which is taller: a giraffe or a zebra?
  4. Which is smaller: a mouse or a cat?
  5. Which is shorter: a tree or a flower?
Answers:
  1. A ruler is longer than a pencil.
  2. A book is heavier than a feather.
  3. A giraffe is taller than a zebra.
  4. A mouse is smaller than a cat.
  5. A flower is shorter than a tree.

FAQ

What does measurement mean?

Measurement means comparing things to see which one is longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, bigger, or smaller.

Why do we need to learn about measurement?

Measurement helps us understand the world better. It helps us cook, build, play, and solve problems.

How can I practice measurement at home?

You can compare your toys, snacks, or household items. Ask questions like “Which one is heavier?” or “Which is longer?”

Can I use my hands to measure things?

Yes! You can use your hands to compare sizes, but it's better to use rulers or scales for more accurate measurements.

What are some fun games I can play to learn about measurement?

Try games like "Guess the weight", "Find the tallest", or "Compare your toys". You can also play with measuring cups in the kitchen!