Which Customary Unit of Weight is Appropriate?

Learn about ounces and pounds with fun examples!

Understanding Weight Measurements

We measure how heavy things are using special units!
Just like we use inches and feet to measure length, we use ounces (oz) and pounds (lb) to measure weight in the United States. Ounces are for lighter things, and pounds are for heavier things!

When to Use Each Unit

1️⃣ Use ounces (oz) for light things like feathers, pencils, or cookies

2️⃣ Use pounds (lb) for heavier things like apples, books, or backpacks

3️⃣ Remember: 16 ounces = 1 pound (that's like 16 small cookies = 1 big bag of cookies)

Let's Practice Together!

Example 1: Weight Matching Game

Match each item with the correct unit of measurement:

Pencil

oz
lb

Textbook

oz
lb

Cookie

oz
lb

Example 2: Which Would You Use?

Your little brother wants to know how heavy his stuffed bear is. Would you measure it in:

Ounces (oz)
Pounds (lb)

Parent Tips 🌟

  • Kitchen scale fun: Let your child weigh small items (like fruit or toys) using a kitchen scale to see ounces and pounds in action.
  • Comparison game: Ask "Which is heavier?" questions comparing everyday objects to build intuition about weight.
  • Real-world practice: At the grocery store, point out weight labels on produce and packaged goods to reinforce learning.

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