Traditions
How does an individual use personal interests and an awareness of needs to impact the common good?
Photo Credit: Quilt by Lara Eakins is licensed under CC by 2.0
Students will learn the vocabulary of philanthropy, use literature to discover acts of philanthropy in the making of quilts, and participate in their own quilting bee.
Students will understand the vocabulary of philanthropy and the importance of the tradition of philanthropy to the community.
The purpose of this unit is to recall that storytelling is a tradition and learn that quilt making is an American tradition. The learner will understand that working collectively brings about change, and that shared values help build communities. They will recognize the value of conflict resolution skills and learn that quilt making filled a need. The learner will also recognize that quilt making was often a family or community activity and that many quilts can be treasured keepsakes for families. This unit will reinforce the concept that traditions, like the threads of a fabric woven together, help build healthy communities.
After being introduced to traditional quilt patterns and their historical significance, students will identify traditional quilt patterns that celebrated philanthropic activities.
Students respond to a book with reflections on the traditions of philanthropy and quiltmaking. They define purposeful acts of kindness and perform random acts of kindness for a week. This lesson includes an optional service project of making a quilt to give away.