🔢 Numbers & shapes · Ages 2–3 · about 2 weeks

Big and Small

Goal: Compare two things by size and use the words big and small.

For parents: Comparing sizes is the first step towards measuring. Use the words all day — 'the big spoon', 'your small shoes'.

Do together

  1. Nesting cups

    You need: Three or four cups, bowls or boxes of different sizes

    Stack them one inside the other, then build a tower from biggest to smallest. Knock it down and build again.

  2. Big spoon, small spoon

    You need: Spoons, shoes, or clothes from different family members

    Put out pairs: Abba's shoe and baby's shoe, a big spoon and a small spoon. 'Which is big? Which is small?' Sort them into a big pile and a small pile.

  3. Big steps, small steps

    You need: Some space

    Take giant steps across the room, then tiny steps. Make a big voice and a small voice. Stretch up big, curl up small.

Talk about it

  • Who has bigger hands, you or me?
  • Is the elephant big or small? The ant?
  • Can you find something bigger than your shoe?

Words to use

  • big
  • small
  • bigger
  • smaller
  • tall
  • long

Play

  • Size Safari
    Measuring
  • Shape Builder
    Building
  • Position Quest
    Position words
Play these games free

Every game is free for every family until 20 November 2026.

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