2.5y–4.2y10 minFamily timeFree playChore time
Compare Circuit: Length, Weight, Capacity, Time
A quick, playful 'compare circuit' using household items to talk about longer/shorter, heavier/lighter, fuller/emptier, and faster/slower in everyday moments.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 cups or small containers
- a spoon
- 2 everyday objects to compare (e.g., book, toy, sock, empty box)
Nice to have
- a small jug or bottle for pouring
- dry food to pour (rice, pasta) OR water (in sink/bath)
- phone timer
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneDiscriminates longer and shorterMind· 2.8y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneCompares object propertiesMind· 2.8y–5y· core
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses basic time conceptsMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneOrders a complete familiar sequenceMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Shows an interest in shape and space by playing with shapes or making arrangements with objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses positional language.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in shape by sustained construction activity or by talking about shapes or arrangements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide rich and varied opportunities for comparing length, weight, capacity and time.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)