1. Ask: How are these tools alike? Different? How do we use these tools? Which tool is best for measuring straight edges? Which tool is best for measuring curves? Which could measure both types of edges? Why? (A tape measure can be used to measure the length of straight and round edges.)
2. Give your child an 11” by 1” strip of paper. Invite her to use the strip as if it were a tape measure to measure the length of a book (straight edge) and the distance around her calf. Point out that the strip can bend (is flexible).