This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
Did you ever make potholders out of plastic looms and stretchy loops? My childhood kitchen was filled with those fun creations. I want the students in my classroom to experience the same pleasure of making potholders, too, while developing important mathematical concepts. Many of my students are not creating the kind of memories that children should be creating.
I teach Kindergarten at a Title 1 Low income school. The students at my school come from diverse racial backgrounds. They work hard despite the many road blocks they encounter. I try to encourage their efforts by creating a classroom environment that is inspiring for all learners.
Identifying and creating math patterns, counting objects, using positional language to describe placement of objects, and sorting are all skills that we work on during the year. These are important skills because they provide a framework for understanding later mathematical concepts, particularly in early algebraic thinking. I want my students to succeed not only in kindergarten, but in the subsequent years to follow.
How can students gain important mathematical concepts while creating these fun potholders? Let me count the ways:
1. Patterning – Students will create colorful patterns as they design their potholders.
2. Patterning – Students will identify patterns as they admire and discuss their classmates work.
3. Sorting – Students will sort loops according to color.
4. Counting – Students will count the loops needed in order to complete their project.
5. Positional Language – Students will use positional language (over, under, above, beside) while describing the patterns.
All of the above objectives have been set forth by the Oklahoma State Dept. of Education for kindergarten. The Potholder kits and refill looms will allow my students opportunities to explore mathematical concepts while creating something beautiful and useful.
Only with your generous donation will I be able to provide this experience for my students. The activity will help them develop necessary math skills, as well as improve their fine motor skills. Many of my students are struggling with basic tasks due to weaknesses in their small motor skills.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Newberry and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
