Comparing Capacity
Compare and describe capacity and volume using language such as full, empty, more than, less than, half full
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“Capacity is how much a container can hold. We describe containers as full, empty, half full, or holding more or less than another container.”
Bring to the table
- Two clear cups of different sizes
- A pitcher or bottle of water
- A towel for spills
Full guide and materials
- Two clear cups of different sizes
- A pitcher or bottle of water
- A towel for spills
- Step 1. Show both cups empty. Say empty together.
- Step 2. Fill the smaller cup to the top. Say full. Pour it into the larger cup and notice whether the larger cup is full, partly full, or still has space.
- Step 3. Refill the small cup halfway. Compare “half full” with the larger cup’s water level using more than or less than.
- Step 4. Ask which cup holds more when both are filled as full as possible, based on what you observed when pouring.
- Step 5. Let your child fill, pour, and describe one comparison independently.
- Quick check. Success means your child uses at least two capacity words correctly—such as full/empty or more than/less than—and identifies which of two cups holds more or has more water in a direct comparison.
Worked example. A full small cup may only make a large mug partly full, so the mug can hold more. A cup with water to the middle is about half full.
Optional challenge. Estimate first which cup holds more, then test by pouring, and describe the result as more than or less than the estimate.
What to notice. Save a parent note quoting the capacity words used and which cup held more.
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Capacity is how much a container can hold. We describe containers as full, empty, half full, or holding more or less than another container.
Spend about 10 minutes filling and comparing two cups with water.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
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Check understanding
- Compare two containers and say which holds more/less
- Use 'half full' and 'quarter full' to describe a container
- Solve practical problems like 'Which cup has more water?'
“If your child has two cups of different sizes, can they tell you which holds more water — and describe one as "more full" or "less full" than the other?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Measurement
- Age range
- Ages 4–6
Standards