Just How Long Can a Long String Be?

Book Title: Just how long can a long string be?

Author: Keith Baker

Mathematical Concepts and Language:

• Measurement: length, height, width, perimeter, area
• Comparison: short, shorter, shortest
• Ordering: long, longer, longest
• Sorting
• Estimation
• Probability

Questioning:

Before:

• Where have you seen string used before?
• Using your hands, show us how long a string can be?
• What are other things that are long?
• Why might you need to know how long a string is?

During:

• How long will the string need to be?
• Have you played with string?
• How do you know?
• How can you measure the string?
• Page 1: compare ant, bird, string sizes
• Page 3: how long does the string need to be to wrap a box?
• Page 4: How much string is in the string mess?
• Page 5: How long is the string on both pages?

After:

• When did the bird need a lot of string?
• Where do you notice string at home?

Extensions/Provocations (Small Group, Learning Centres, Whole Group, Transitions):

• Loose Parts: variety of types and lengths of string/yarn
• Provocation: different measurement tools
• Art Studio: add string and glue, string and paint (lots of opportunity to create)
• Outdoor Play: weaving using different lengths and types of string/ribbon (could use a loom or on a fence)
• Measurement: measuring themselves with strong (comparison: shorter/taller)
• Birds Nests: collect natural and found materials
• Exploring different types of string: yard, twine, fishing line (use for collage, painting, weaving, exploring)
• Use String for measuring length, height, area, width, perimeter