The teachers chose student-designed quilts as a culminating experience to the Fabric All Around investigation. This Alamo Heights Independent School District kindergarten center is located in San Antonio, Texas. Last January, when Carol Fenley, Lisa Susan, Holly Siskovic, and Janet Weatherston collaborated on planning a language arts theme of studies, they realized how naturally the FOSS Fabric Module integrates science and mathematics into their Winter Unit. The first activities in Fabric All Around involve students in discovering and describing fabrics, hunting for fabrics, making a fabric collage, pulling fabric apart, weaving, and sewing. Before launching into these activities, Howard students use math pattern blocks and manipulatives to explore, build, discuss, and draw patterns.
Students observe different kinds of fabrics by matching cloth squares placed inside feely boxes.
Then they discuss the various textures and fabrics. They also enjoy weaving and sewing in small center groups. Some students love sewing so much and feel so successful, they want to do more and more. Parent involvement weaves throughout the fabric investigations. Families donate scraps of material.