Objectives:

• Students will synthesize what they have learned about the purpose and history of quilts by constructing a class quilt and working cooperatively to re-create the atmosphere of a quilting bee.
• Students will express their individuality and the experiences that they hold valuable by formulating a quilt block that represents them and their experience in Room 12.

Materials:

• Square blocks of white cotton fabric (muslin works well). Enough for each child, plus extra blocks to make the quilt even.
• Fabric crayons
• Fabric scraps
• Fabric glue
• Scissors
• quilting material (filling, thread, needles, background fabric etc.)

Procedure:

1. Project will be introduced to the whole class. I will explain that I want them to make a piece that tells me something about themselves and Room 12 (I am trying to avoid the hearts and rainbows etc.). We will spend some time brainstorming on what those ideas might be. Instructions for use of materials and expectations will also be given to the whole group.
2. To simulate the experience of a quilting bee (as they had in colonial times) arrange the tables to make a rectangle, so that everyone can sit around the outside and work, while visiting quietly and being able to see everyone at once. It is optional to have refreshments at this time or music from the time period playing in the background.
3. Students will use fabric crayons to draw or write on their block or they can cut and glue pieces of fabric to make a picture or design.
4. If you sew and have the time put the quilt together on your own. I do not have the ability or the time, so I will be taking our quilt to a seamstress to have it put together.
5. Once the quilt is finished, I will present it to the class and have a dedication ceremony where students present different quilts projects that we have done throughout the unit.

Evaluation: