Preschool Sorting Activity Using Recycled Denim Pockets
Provide color sorting games with a homemade pocket organizer. Recycle a few denim pockets for sorting and counting activities with your preschoolers.
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Don't send that well-worn pair of denims to the landfill! Make a pocket sorting game instead!
As teachers and parents, we appreciate finding ways to recycle materials to provide opportunities for learning through play. This project is a great way to recycle an item of clothing, while creating a fun activity for your preschooler.
Creating a pocket chart is an easy way to recycle denim jeans.
Simply remove the pockets from a pair of jeans and attach them to a fabric backing.
Out two-step tutorial will make this pocket organizer DIY a breeze!
Related: Roundup of Activities Using Denim
Preschool math games with denim pocket organizer
This DIY project is a fun way to start a conversation around recycling with your kids.
This might include repurposing or recycling clothing in the following ways:
- sending to donation boxes or nearly-new retail
- sharing with friends and relatives
- reusing as cleaning rags or drop cloths
- keeping on hand as kids paint shirts
As well as being environmentally friendly, everybody in the early learning community loves a simple DIY, especially when it can be done with supplies on hand. This is one project that does all of that.
Related: How to create an eco-friendly child space
Supplies for DIY pocket panel
Instructions for homemade pocket panel
We used a sewing machine for this project, but you can sew the pockets on by hand. The panel is easy to make with or without a sewing machine.
Step 1.
Fold over the top of the fabric to make a rod pocket.
Stitch in place by hand or on a sewing machine.
Insert a dowel into the for hanging the pocket panel.
Step 2.
Lay the denim pockets onto the fabric panel. Pin in place.
Stitch three sides of each pocket, leaving the top edge open.
Math games to play with a pocket organizer
1. Sort colors.
Stitch felt squares of different colors to the pockets or apply with a glue gun.
Insert a foam cutout into the pocket with the matching color.
2. Sort numerals.
Stitch or glue numerals on each pocket, or apply self-adhesive numerals.
Count feathers, craft sticks, or other small items to fill the pockets.
Decorate pockets to reinforce counting skills.
- We used self-adhesive stars and foam numerals.
Hang the panel on a wall or door where it is accessible. Kids can choose from a variety of materials you provide, or simply find objects in the home or classroom that will fit in the pockets.
Denim pocket games
Your well-worn jeans just got a new use! Before sending them to the landfill, create this denim pockets game.
It's a great activity for engaging fine motor, math, and reasoning skills. Activities that promote counting and matching in fun ways help preschoolers practice beginning skills by learning through play.
Math Activities Pinterest board
