As a kindergarten teacher, I am always trying to come up with simple projects for my students. In math this year, we are starting out with basic shapes, which we are then exploring further by making simple quilt blocks. I came up with a way to make a simple quilt block using cardboard and Japanese washi tape. I made a simple square design using small strips of washi tape, but you could easily expand the idea to make more complicated shapes.
Cut a small, square piece of cardboard. For an even easier route, I like to save the cardboard pieces used to package fat quarters as they are already in a great square shape.
Measure a half inch border all the way around the square. For younger children, you may want to darken the pencil lines using a felt-tip marker so they can see them easily.
Choose your first color of washi tape. Stretch gently across the entire width of the top of the smaller square (the one outlined in pencil or marker). Tear or cut with scissors when you reach the other pencil line. While cutting with scissors makes a cleaner edge, I find the tearing adds some nice texture to the piece. Tearing is also a great way to build finger strength and dexterity in young children.
Select your second color and pull the washi tape gently across the left side of the square. You will want to line up the top of the new color with the first color’s bottom edge. Stop and tear or cut when you reach the other pencil line.
Continue in a counter clockwise direction, changing colors as you wish. I chose a new color for each side.
Continue in a counter clockwise motion, with each new square getting smaller and smaller. I stopped after three little squares were created in washi tape.
I finished off my quilt block by filling in the smallest remaining square with a vivid color to make the quilt block pop.
little city big love 