RESPECT LESSON - Fall 2006 - 4th Grade
History/Art Connection – Patchwork Quilt
Respect: To feel or show honor for someone or something
Purpose: This lesson promotes self-respect and respect for others through an activity that
enhances relationship.
Quotes: “If we lose love and self-respect for each other, this is how we finally die.”
Maya Angelou
“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides
our manners.”
Laurence Sterne
Materials: 6” x 6” squares of construction paper (various colors)
Markers/crayons
Glitter, sequins, and other items for decorating
If possible, show a copy of a famous patchwork quilt.
Example: Artist – Faith Ringgold – known for her painted story quilts –
art that combines painting, quilted fabric, and storytelling
Procedure:
1. HISTORY/ART CONNECTION: Ask students if they have ever seen a
patchwork quilt. Explain that a patchwork quilt is a quilt that is made of different,
small pieces of cloth to make a large quilt. Patchwork quilts are unique because
they are made of many different pieces of cloth. In fact, the Early American
pioneers told of their experiences in the new land through quilts. Often times,
women would have Quilting Bees in which a community would come together to
create a Welcome Quilt for a new person in the town. Leftover pieces of fabric
were used to make a patchwork quilt. These quilts told stories about the pioneers’
struggles and joys in the new land now known as America. Share the image of
Faith Ringgold’s work. See website http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d22.htm
This particular quilt is titled We Came to America.
Today, some people still make quilts to represent similar experiences. For
example, there is a famous quilt that travels around America which tells the story
of many people who have suffered from Aids.
2. Explain to the students that they will create a paper quilt from squares that
represent the individuality of each student. These squares, when pieced together,
will reflect the uniqueness of the class as a whole.
3. Give each student a “quilt square” (6” x 6” square of construction paper). Instruct
students to write their name on the square and decorate it to illustrate qualities,
talents, and experiences they respect and value in themselves. Drawings, pictures,
words, etc..can be incorporated. The squares can be decorated with the art
supplies provided.
4. As students finish, they can glue their squares on a poster or large sheet of white
paper. The “quilt” can be hung on the wall.
5. When the patchwork quilt is complete, ask the students the following questions:
Follow-Up Questions:
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How would Early American patchwork quilts have represented the idea of
respect? Explain that the people working together to sew the quilt would have
had to show respect for one another while working together. In addition, each of
the patches would represent the struggles and joys that the pioneers would have
experienced while living in the new land. Also, look back at Faith Ringgold’s
quilt. How does this work convey respect?
How can you show self-respect? Explain that the students showed self-respect
today by creating a square that is reflective of their personality. Encourage
students to be proud of their square as it represents who they are.
How can you show respect for others (peers, family, teachers)? Explain that
the students worked together to create something positive. Each person is
different, but collectively all of us fit together to make the patchwork quilt, just as
we fit together to make the world interesting. The “patchwork quilt” represents
different colors, talents, etc..
How can you use this character education lesson in your life? We can use this
lesson to remember that people are different, yet we should respect those
differences. Each square was needed to create the patchwork quilt, just as each
person is needed to fulfill his or her role in the world. Had people in the early
days not worked together and been respectful of one another, our country would
not be what it is today.