Our class has been working on a new Math unit called How Long? How Far?. In this unit, we are working with important ideas in measurement - measuring the lengths of different objects and finding the lengths of paths. In the everyday world, we need to know how long things are. We might need to know whether pant legs are long enough, whether a couch will fit along a particular wall, or where to cut lumber to make shelves of equal length. During this unit, your child will find several things in the classroom that are about the same length. Children will use a variety of materials, such as paper strips, craft sticks, and interlocking cubes, as measuring tools to measure and compare length. Paths are everywhere - roads, sidewalks, trails, and the routes we take to get from one place to another. Often we are interested in the lengths of paths: what's the shortest path or route to work or school? Children will walk to different places in the classroom and the school, describe the paths they took, and compare and measure the lengths of paths. Children will also follow and measure paths using a computer program, Geo-Logo. Here are activities you can try at home: * Involove your child in measuring activities-hobbies like sewing or carpentry are a natural for this. * Ask your child to compare the heights or length of different objects. For example, is there room for the kitchen table if we move it to the space along that wall? * Have a measurement scavenger hunt at home. Ask your child to find things that are about as long as different objects. For example, fing things that are about as long as one pencil, about as long as two pencils, and about as long as three pencils. * Compare the heights of family members. Establish a place where heights can be marked off and compared. * Talk about and compare paths you walk both inside and outside your home. for instance, you might find two paths from the front door to the kitchen. Encourage you child to describe each path as you walk it together. Ask your child to find a way to compare the two paths. Which path is longer? Happy measuring!