Companion Activities for "The Bedquilt" and "My Mother Pieced Quilts"
While reading the poem (this is based on the old CA CLAS test format):
Directions: Read the poem below. As you read, underline any words, phrases, or
lines that seem interesting, intriguing or relate to your life in some way. In the margins, write your responses (annotations) to the passages. Your responses might indicate what the passage means, what it reminds you of, what you don't understand, how you feel about it, or any other comments that seem appropriate.
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After the reading, I passed out a sheet with connected squares on it, similar to a quilt. Students reread the poem, focusing on specific descriptions of the quilt. In groups, they colored in their sheets creating a "quilt" resembling the one from the poem. I was pretty impressed at the results!
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After completing the multicultural unit (we read "My Mother Pieced Quilts" last), we made a class quilt. In this activity, students learn about each others' cultures and what is important to each culture. (They can also begin to learn the meaning of symbolism.)
Materials needed:
1. Different colored construction paper, precut to 10" X 10" squares
2. Crayons, markers, rulers, scissors, etc.
3. Magazines to cut out pictures and letters
Each student will receive one square to place his eight or more items on. Although most of the items students choose should come from home, they can find items from old magazines. Their items can be as simple as rice or beans pasted onto their squares. They can also use their first or last names if it represents their heritage.
Really try to encourage them to use their imaginations and to ask their parents to get involved so that your quilt will be as three dimensional as possible.
After the whole activity is completed, the teacher needs to begin putting the quilt together on butcher paper! Each row should consist of four squares, then work your way downward. I strongly suggest putting the heavier squares on the outside where they can be stapled on firmly. The others can be glued on. If you're an artsy type, you can have students use fabric and sew them together. This looks especially nice! (As for me, needles and I are NOT a good mix so I just use construction paper!)
Suggestions for quilt items:
A flag Personal family pictures
Piece of clothing Currency
Food His/her name
However, try not to give them too many suggestions so they can create a more individualized quilt piece.
Here is a copy of the student handout:
Quilt Project
For several generations, quilts have carried messages of heritage and culture. Our class will be putting together a quilt to show the heritages and cultures of our class. You will be given a "quilt square." On it, you will put objects, pictures, drawings, symbols, etc., that reflect your heritage. This will require research and creativity on your part. Ask members of your family (parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles) where your family came from. Find out about your history!
"Quilt Square" Requirements:
1. Be creative - Use your imagination!
2. Be colorful - Employ a variety of colors and shapes to make your "quilt square" interesting.
3. Use texture - Use fabrics, natural materials, or anything else to get texture on your square.
4. Reflect your heritage - Be sure your square tells the history of your family.
5. Number of objects - The minimum number of required objects is EIGHT but remember, the more effort put into your square earns you a better grade.
This project is worth points.
Due Date:
Raw Text of "My Mother Pieced Quilts"
Email: kglee@webtv.net
