Patriotic Quilt Placemats

What You Need:

• 1 piece of construction paper in any color, 12" x 18”
• Red, white, and blue construction paper
• Patriotic placemat templates (download here):
  • Patriotic Patchwork Placemat Template #1
  • Patriotic Patchwork Placemat Template #2
• Scissors
• Glue stick

What You Do:

1. For kindergarten, first-, and second-grade math students, who often spend lots of time with pattern blocks, this activity should be lots of fun and especially beneficial to their developing skills. The first step involves lots of marking and cutting, and this can be tricky for younger children who are still building their fine motor skills. Grown-ups and big kids can help a lot, but do encourage younger children to put in some cutting time, too, making sure they're moving slowly and steadily.
2. Download our patchwork templates (linked above). Place the colored schematic diagram on a table for your child to follow, and help them cut out each of the individual templates. Help your child trace around them and then start cutting, making sure to follow the template directions.
3. Place the 12" x 18" piece of construction paper horizontally on a flat surface, and help your child place all of the paper template pieces where they belong to make the complete design. Then use the glue stick to secure them in place.
4. When you’re finished, you’ll have a festive placemat resembling an American quilt! Be sure to laminate the placemat if you plan to use it on repeat.