A homemade pocket organizer provides counting and matching games to support early math skills. This fun sorting activity is easy to make with recycled denim pockets.

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Do you have a well-worn pair of 'denims' you're about to send to the landfill?

This project is a great way to recycle an item of clothing, while creating a fun activity for your preschooler.

Simply remove the pockets from denim jeans to use in a homemade sorting game.

The fabric panel for the game is easy to make with or without a sewing machine.

Related: Jar Lids Sorting Activity

Preschool math activity with denim pockets

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

Teachers and parents appreciate finding ways to recycle materials to provide opportunities for learning through play.

A pocket chart is such a fun way to recycle denim!

Before sending your worn out 'denims' to the landfill, create this denim pockets game.

 Math Activities  Pinterest board

Supplies for pocket panel

• denim pockets
• fabric panel
• dowel 

Instructions

We used a sewing machine for this project but you can also sew the pockets on by hand.

1. Remove denim pockets from clothing.

2. Lay the pockets onto a fabric panel. Pin in place.

3. Stitch three sides, leaving the top open. 

4. Fold over the top of the panel to make a rod pocket. Stitch in place

5. Insert a dowel for hanging the panel.

 
How to play math games

Sort colors:

Stitch felt squares of different colors to the pockets or apply with a glue gun.

• Insert the foam shape into the pocket with the matching color.

Sort numbers:

Stitch or glue numerals on each pocket.

• In this example we used paper numerals.

Collect items that will fit in the pockets for counting and sorting.

Decorate pockets to reinforce counting skills.

• In this example we used self-adhesive stars and foam numerals.
• We used a deck of cards with images and numerals along with the items such as craft sticks and feathers.

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 that will fit in the pockets. 

This is a great activity for engaging fine motor, counting and reasoning skills.

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 just that.

A denim pocket 'chart' is fun math play for early learners, and a great way to recycle your favorite pair of worn jeans.