Comparing objects
We use certain words to compare the lengths and height of objects, such as:
- long, longer and longest
- short, shorter and shortest
- tall, taller and tallest
Top tip
When comparing lengths or heights, make sure one end of each object is lined up. You can then compare the other end to see which is longer.
Watch: Measuring
Watch the video below from Foundation Stage to find out more.
NARRATOR: Today we’re looking at how we compare things. We use words like 'longer' and 'longest', 'taller' and 'tallest' to describe how one thing, or person, compares to another.
Three people of different heights wearing white coats walk past. We see them again and they start to sing and dance.
ALL: (singing) Tall and taller, taller tallest, who’s the tallest of you all? Tall and taller, taller tallest, who’s the tallest of you all?
ALL: Who’s tall?
GIRL: I’m tall!
ALL: Who’s taller?
1ST BOY: I’m taller!
ALL: Who’s tallest?
2ND BOY: I’m tallest!
1ST BOY: Now, stretch one arm out in front and point a finger. Who has the longest arm?
ALL: (singing) Long and longer, longer, longest, who’s the longest of you all? Long and longer, longer, longest, who’s the longest of you all? Who’s long?
1ST BOY: I’m long!
ALL: Who’s longer?
2ND BOY: I’m longer!
ALL: Who’s longest?
GIRL: I’m longest!
The first boy looks like he doesn't agree.
GIRL: Now, stretch your arms and legs out either side as far as they can go.
ALL: (singing) Wide and wider, wider, widest, who’s the widest of you all? Wide and wider, wider, widest, who’s the widest of you all? Who’s wide?
2ND BOY: I’m wide!
ALL: Who’s wider?
GIRL: I’m wider!
ALL: Who’s widest?
1ST BOY: I’m widest!!
ALL: (singing) Tall and taller, taller tallest, who’s the tallest of you all? Long and longer, longer longest, who’s the longest of you all? Wide and wider, wider, widest, who’s the widest of you all? Tall and taller, longer, longest, who’s the widest of you all?
They all dance off screen.
Ends.
Example
Take a look at the giraffes and snakes in the slideshow below.
The giraffes' hooves are lined up on the ground so that you can see which giraffe is tall, taller and tallest.
All of the snakes have been lined up with the end of their tails starting on the right of the slide to show which snake is long, longer and longest.
Use the words taller and shorter when comparing the giraffes and snakes.
Image caption, Tall, taller and tallest
Can you see which giraffe is tall, taller and tallest?
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Activity 1
Lengths are usually measured sideways, like the snakes above.
Heights are measured upwards, like the giraffes standing on the ground.
Can you find pairs of objects around your home to compare and see which is the shorter of the two and which is the longer?
Compare your height with someone in your family.
Who is the taller and who is the shorter?
Activity 2
Karate Cats Maths game. game
Train with the Karate Cats to become an expert in addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, place value and more!
More on Measuring
Find out more by working through a topic
- count4 of 10
- count5 of 10
- count6 of 10
- count7 of 10
