A simple paper math quilt for younger students can help kids learn how to place numbers in the proper order. Cut plain white paper in to 4-inch squares. Have kids write a single number on each square. Have kids start with the number one and continue until all numbers through 20 are on a piece of paper. Have kids line up numbers, in order, starting with the number one. Kids create a quilt by using rows of four numbers across and continuing with the next sequential number on the next row down.
A more advanced paper quilt is used to help kids recognize the difference between even and odd numbers. You will need two different colors of paper for the paper quilt. Cut both colors of paper in to 4-inch squares. Kids write even numbers on one color of paper and odd numbers on the other. Kids arrange the squares to form the quilt by using one even number followed by one odd number and continuing until the first row is five squares across. The second row begins with the next number in the sequence, and thus forms a checkerboard quilt pattern.
A seemingly out of order paper math quilt can be assembled for use in other math lessons. Cut paper in to 4-inch squares and have kids write one number per square. The quilt is assembled in any order, provided the end result is a square shape. The paper quilt is used for beginning learners to help with numerical recognition. This works best with young children just learning numbers as they must scan the paper quilt to find the number needed once asked to locate the number.
Using the even and odd number concept, where one color of paper is assigned to even numbers and another to odd numbers, can be beneficial in helping children better understand the concept of numerical positioning. Children assemble a paper quilt by arranging even number squares in to patterns as a base. The odd number squares are used to fill in the rest of the quilt, with the rule of remaining odd number squares must be placed in numerical order starting at the top left corner of the quilt.