Read with an adult. Take your time. You can say, point, draw or write your answer.
1 Let's look together
Capacity is how much a container can hold. An empty cup holds no drink now. A full cup is filled to its top.
Use the same small cup to compare two containers. Count how many cupfuls fill each. Pour carefully with an adult.
Look, point and talk with your adult.
2 Watch how I do it
A jug holds four small cupfuls. I put in two. That is half of its capacity. One cupful would be a quarter.
3 Your turn
One bottle holds 3 small cups of water; another holds 5 of the same cup. Which has greater capacity?
Have a go before opening the answer.
Let's check together
The second bottle: it holds five cupfuls.
4 Try it away from the page
On a tray, compare two unbreakable containers. Record cupfuls; with an adult, look at litre markings on a jug.
Open your writing and drawing pad
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Adult notes · prerequisites, safety and coverage
Prerequisite: counting and halves. Adult supervision; water away from electrical devices. Compare capacity, not just current fill level.
Use large counters, blocks and paper before symbols. Revisit a lesson until the child can show and explain the idea. Numbers grow from 0–10 to 20, then 100; these pages are not a one-sitting course.
Compare lengths, heights, mass, capacity and time.
Measure and record these quantities through practical work.