L29 – WWW – Compare Weight

Working Without Worksheets – Reception Maths: Compare Weight This Working Without Worksheets Reception maths lesson introduces children to the concept of comparing weight. Through hands-on activities, role play, and practical exploration, children learn to use mathematical language such as heavy, light, heavier than, and lighter than. The starter activity gets children active and engaged: Pretend to lift different objects and discuss whether they are heavy or light. For example: A feather is light – we could lift it with one hand. A boulder is heavy – we’d need both hands and it would be hard to lift. A balloon is light, while a pumpkin is heavy. Children act out lifting objects, using both hands for heavy and one hand for light. In the main teaching input, children explore comparing weights with balance scales: Model placing two objects on the scales, such as a grape and a pear. Discuss which object is heavier (the one that goes lower) and which is lighter (the one that goes higher). Repeat with different examples: pebble vs leaf, beanbag vs sock. Emphasise the key vocabulary heavier and lighter. The independent activity allows for practical exploration: Children use balance scales to compare two classroom objects. They decide which object is heavier and which is lighter, then share their reasoning using the new vocabulary. Encourage children to try several comparisons with different objects to reinforce understanding. The plenary reinforces the learning in a fun challenge: Ask: “Can you find something heavier than a pencil?” Follow with: “Can you find something lighter than a glue stick?” Children explain their choices, applying the vocabulary in real-world contexts. What’s Included in the Pack? ✔ Full lesson plan with objectives, teaching notes, and plenary ideas ✔ Animated teaching slides introducing heavy/light vocabulary ✔ Starter: role play lifting heavy and light objects ✔ Main input: comparing objects using balance scales ✔ Independent activity: prac