大象传媒

A girl drawing a pencil line using a pencil and a ruler, whilst sat at a desk.

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
A girl drawing a pencil line using a pencil and a ruler, whilst sat at a desk.
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A girl pointing to a pink bubble with the words top tip in it.

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.

A girl pointing to a pink bubble with the words top tip in it.
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Watch: Measuring

Watch the video below from Foundation Stage to find out more.

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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 gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 2, three giraffes lined up from left to right with the words tall, taller and tallest next to them, respectively. , 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?

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Activity 2

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NEW! Play Karate Cats Maths - the winter update. game

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NEW! Play Karate Cats Maths - the winter update
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More on Measuring

Find out more by working through a topic