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Parent guide · Kindergarten Math · Unit 8

Lesson 8.2 Heavy and Light; Full and Empty

Written for the parent. Read the Say this lines aloud as they are, or in your own words. Answers for you are marked Listen for.

At a glance

Time
5 sessions of 15–20 minutes
Goal
Compare weights. Compare how much containers hold.
You need
  • A few real coins
  • A few cups
  • Pencil and crayons
Print
Worksheet A · Worksheet B · the lesson page (it also has a short video (2:43))

Steps

  1. Do this: Ask these out loud. Your child answers out loud; no paper needed.

    • Ask: “2 + 1” Listen for: 3
    • Ask: “2 + 2” Listen for: 4
    • Ask: “5 + 1” Listen for: 6
    • Ask: “2 + 4” Listen for: 6
    • Ask: “4 + 4” Listen for: 8

  2. Say this: “A balance tips down on the heavier side.”

    Say this: “Big things are not always heavier: a balloon is big and light.”

    Say this: “Heavier: weighs more.”

    Say this: “Lighter: weighs less.”

  3. Show: Which is heavier: an empty cup or a full bucket?

    Say this: “A full bucket is much heavier than an empty cup.”

    Say this: “So the heavier one is a full bucket.”

    Answer: a full bucket

    Show: Which is taller, A or B?

    two objects to compare

    Say this: “Both stand on the same line. Compare the tops.”

    Say this: “B is taller.”

    Answer: B

  4. Do this: Your child does these with you. Let them try first; help only after a real try.

    Ask: Which is lighter: an ox or a mouse?

    Listen for: a mouse

    If stuck: An ox is much heavier than a mouse.

    Ask: Which is lighter: a leaf or a millstone?

    Listen for: a leaf

    If stuck: A millstone is much heavier than a leaf.

    Ask: Which is lighter: a pea or a pumpkin?

    Listen for: a pea

    If stuck: A pumpkin is much heavier than a pea.

    10 more practice items on the lesson page, and on Worksheet A and Worksheet B.

    • Thinking bigger always means heavier.

  6. Set up a shop with toys priced 1¢ to 10¢. Your child pays with pennies, nickels and dimes; you make sure the coins match the price.

  7. Say this: “Tell me what you learned today. Show me with your hands or the counters if you like.”

    Listen for: Compare weights.; Compare how much containers hold.

  8. Say the days of the week in order each morning, and name today, yesterday and tomorrow.

Spread over the week

5 sessions of 15–20 minutes. Stop while it is still going well.

  1. Session 1. Warm-up, then teach the new idea (steps 1 and 2).
  2. Session 2. Warm-up again, then show how with the examples.
  3. Session 3. Practice together, then play the game.
  4. Session 4. More practice on the worksheet, and the daily habit.
  5. Session 5. Quick check: narration and a few practice items. Move on when it is mostly right.