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Summary and Objective
Quilt making helps us understand the past and the present because quilts tie the two together. The goal of this project is to create a classroom memory quilt which will help students learn about the past and also explore the use of crafts as a tool to remember their family's past.
Students will understand that squares of different sizes may be combined to make larger squares, that a memory is something that they can recall as being important to them and be able to express the importance verbally, and that quilts have existed for many years and tell stories.
Students will understand that to create a classroom quilt they must work together and express views appropriately.
Students will create a quilt square using crayons or colored pencils on paper and help punch holes and sew the quilt together with yarn.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Show students the book "The Quilt Story" by Toni Johnston and Tomie de Paolo. Discuss any knowledge or experience they have about quilts and then read the story. This book is about a pioneer mother who lovingly stiches a quilt which warms and comforts her daughter. Many years later another mother mends and patches it for her little girl.
Step 2.
Show students “Sunburst and Stars Album Quilt". Save a copy of each view and print out on paper and laminate. Pass the pictures around and share the story of the quilt. Ask the students why do they think there is writing on some of the pictures.
Step 3.
Discuss their thoughts about the story and suggest the idea of creating a classroom quilt. Provide a real quilt to pass around (if a real quilt is not available a quilted pillow or other object would also work). Talk about how a quilt is made. Ask them, “What other materials could we use to make a quilt?” (If necessary ask if paper would work.) Discuss why class will use paper instead of fabric (does not require sewing or use of sharp instruments).
Step 4.
Have some pre-cut, color-coded squares (2"x2", 4"x4", 8"x8") to show the children as we talk about what size works best and how they could piece one together to form one large square. Also discuss how to create the classroom quilt.
Step 5.
Family memories - have children start to recall and share some of their favorite family times and talk about why they are special. The teacher may begin to make a list for future reference.
Step 6.
Put class into groups at tables and have students explain to others at the table what they are going to draw. Students then draw quilt squares using crayons and colored pencils.
Step 7.
Students come back together to share their pictures and help determine the order of squares in quilt. Based on the number of students, more than one quilt may be produced. Students will punch holes in their squares and help sew them together.
Step 8.
Quilt will be hung for display.
OPTIONAL - see if any parents, grandparents or relatives have quilts that they would come and share with the class. See if any relatives would be interested in creating a square at home to share with the class.
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