When I purchased my Cricut, one of the first things I wanted to do was make a set of letters. I am so glad I decided to do numbers first! This set took me quite a while, I think it would have actually been easier if I stitched them by hand, which I think I will do if I ever get around to making the letter set.
I intentionally chose fabric featuring designs by First Nations’ Australians. It is important to me to take every opportunity to embed First Nations’ cultures and perspectives into our learning environment and this is one simple way (see my past posts for some other quick and easy ideas). It means that when these numbers are used, children are interacting with the designs on the fabric and they often talk about the patterns and colours they see. They also know that most art by First Nations’ artists tells a story, so I made sure to keep this information to hand on a small laminated card (I do this for most resources, there is no way I can remember all of the stories!). I also made sure to source fabric that was designed by Australian artists and where possible, sold by First Nations’ owned businesses. I believe that ethically and responsibly sourcing our materials is so important.
These numbers can be used in so many ways. Presented in a pile on the table they might encourage sequencing. Next to a tens frame they might invite children to fill the frame with different numbers of objects. You could sequence them and remove numbers for problem solving.
When I set them up with jars children added objects to fill the jars throughout the day. There were some great conversations out of this, especially around the size of the objects chosen and if the objects would be able to fit in the jars.
If I was making them again (and I still might pop a seam on the back to do this) I would attach a magnet to the back so that the numbers could also be used on a whiteboard. This would provide another opportunity for working vertically which is important for motor development.
If you’re curious, the designs used on the fabric here is called “Bush Tucker” It shows three people sitting at their camp fire and there are digging sticks and coolamons beside them. There are honey ants, lizards, snakes, witchetty grubs, and bush fruit in the land around them. The footprints show where they have walked to gather these foods. The art was created by Julie Nabangardi Sheddon.
How might you use fabric numbers in your classroom? Let me know!
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