Capacity - Containers

About This Worksheet

This Reception measurement worksheet focuses on the subtopic of capacity, providing valuable practice in early mathematical skills. Understanding capacity is a fundamental concept that lays the groundwork for more complex measurement skills in later years. This worksheet helps children develop their ability to compare and order objects based on how much they can hold. By working through the exercises, children will learn to use comparative language such as 'more', 'less', 'full', and 'empty' accurately. This worksheet aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, specifically the 'Mathematics' area of learning, focusing on 'Number' and 'Shape, Space and Measures'. It encourages children to explore and understand the world around them through practical application. The visual theme of containers makes the learning engaging and relatable. This worksheet is valuable because it provides a fun and accessible way for Reception children to grasp the concept of capacity, building their confidence in measurement and setting them up for success in future maths lessons. Regular practice with worksheets like this helps to solidify their understanding and improve their problem-solving skills. This Reception measurement capacity worksheet is a great tool to build foundational skills.

💡 How to Use This Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to be used as an introductory activity to the concept of capacity for Reception children. It can be used after a practical exploration of filling and emptying different containers with water or sand. Before starting, review vocabulary such as 'full', 'empty', 'more', and 'less'. For children who are struggling, provide real containers for them to compare. Encourage them to physically fill and empty them to understand the concepts better. For children who are excelling, ask them to estimate how many small containers it would take to fill a larger container. Common mistakes to watch for include children focusing on the height of the container rather than its width. Emphasise that taller doesn't always mean more. As an extension activity, have children draw their own containers and compare their capacities.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions