History
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Our Quilting HistoryDiagram illustrating quiltmaking as it relates to content areas.
Listed under each content area are suggestions for lessons related to quiltmaking.
These could be used as links to Internet sources, to post actual assignments,
to collect and share student’s work, or simply as a tool for discussion.
Lesson Plan
Title: Introduction to Quiltmaking
Subject Matter Emphasis and Level:
Quiltmaking / High School Crafts Class
Brief Description of the Lesson:
This lesson is an introduction to the art of quiltmaking. Students will receive a brief overview of the historical importance of quiltmaking, and how it has evolved. Quilting vocabulary will be discussed through looking at examples. Instruction on design and technique will be given, and students will experience hands-on learning through guided practice as they each complete a small quilt. Students will have access to instructional sites on the Internet to use as an additional resource tool.
Why Do This:
To bring students a greater appreciation for the art of quiltmaking, to teach design skills; To increase proficiency in manipulation of tools and materials requiring small motor skill development; To enhance understanding of the historical importance of quiltmaking; To open channels of communication with family, friends, and others about the art of quiltmaking; To recognize the connections to other content areas such as history and geometry.
Content:
Higher level thinking skills and small motor skills will be used in most aspect of this lesson. Use of the creative process, in the actual designing and making of a quilted piece will reinforce problem-solving techniques by students. Emphasis on the historical and cultural importance, as well as the use of visual planning and arrangement of geometrical shapes connects this project to other content areas.
Assessment:
Student’s work will be assessed throughout the project primarily based on use of time and willingness to work through each aspect of designing and constructing a small quilt. Attentiveness to instruction given and genuine effort during guided practice are paramount to a student’s success. Quality of workmanship in the finished product is secondary at this point to the overall learning experience. It must also be noted that modifications will be made for students with special needs. This will be further addressed in "Management".
Teaching Strategies:
Content will be taught through discussion of examples, a brief overview of historical background, vocabulary used, modeling of techniques & skills used to design and make a quilt, and guided practice. Students may connect this experience to other content areas, open discussion with family members or others about quilting, or independently pursue more learning in this area.
Materials and Resources:
Examples of quilts for students to examine, books about quilts and working methods, Technology (Internet instructional sites, software for designing quilts), Community resources (members of quilting guilds, fiber artists, quilters from both contemporary and historical tradition, as available.
Management:
Class will be managed as a group for the initial presentation, which will include introduction of the subject, vocabulary, and brief history. Students will move to examine quilt examples more closely, and allow for informal discussion. Modeling of technique will take place with students grouped around the instructor, and guided practice will occur as students return to their individual workspace. Supplies and materials will be centrally located in the room so students may access them as needed. Students who wish to view learning tools and resources may do so as needed. This may include getting a book or going to the computer, or other. Most work will take place in the classroom, although some students may wish to take work home as well. This will be optional.
Special needs students may receive modified assignments as needed to create an enjoyable learning experience. This may include the use of larger materials for ease of manipulation, or allowing an assistant to help them through some aspects of the assignment. Students who need extra help will be either assisted by the instructor, paired with a more advanced student, or allowed to use resources independently. This would also apply to students who have missed portions of the instruction, for whatever reasons. In such case, they might also be directed to view the designated instructional sites on the computer, to learn necessary information.
Support Services:
Use of a computer for access to Internet, and an instructor- generated resource utilizing links to appropriate instructional sites; an assistant if needed for special needs students.
Aspects of Quiltmaking
I. Vocabulary
A. Applique
B. Basting
C. batting
D. bias
E. binding
F. block
G. border
H. mitered seam
I. patchwork
J. quilting
K. sashing
L. seam allowance
II. Materials
A. graph paper
B. pencils
C. scissors
D. rotary cutter
E. ruler
F. cutting mat
G. pins
H. needle
I. thread
J. thimble
K. fabric
L. batting
M. fabric marking tool
N. frame
O. hoop
III. Design
A. evaluate function
B. value
C. color
D. contrast
E. pattern
F. repetition
G. unity
IV. Process
A. Idea
B. Plan
C. Select materials
D. Cut
E. Assemble top
F. Add borders
G. Sandwich
H. Baste
I. Quilt
J. Bind
K. Use and enjoy
V. Eras in Quiltmaking
A. Colonial
B. Pioneer
C. Civil war
D. Victorian
E. Depression
F. Post WWII
G. Revival
VI. Personal Connections
A. Family
B. Friends
C. Self
D. Stories
Quiltmaking as it Relates to Content Areas
I. Art
A. Design principles
B. Color theory
C. Technical skills
D. Creative process
II. History
A. Availability of fabric through trade and commerce
B. The effect of the industrial revolution on the fabric industry
C. Women’s role in history
D. Evolution of block design
E. Superstitions
F. Family history
III. Math
A. Geometry
B. Tessellation
C. Measurements
D. Fractions
E. Multiplication
F. Division
IV. Family and Consumer Science
A. Planning and shopping for materials
B. Sewing skills
C. Home decoration
V. Language Arts
A. Literature about quilts
B. Biographies
C. Storytelling
