The Keeping Quilt Activites (continued)
The Keeping Quilt
Written by Patricia Polacco
Page Created by Lori Rever and Katie Alexander
Concordia University Wisconsin
Fall 2009
A. Anticipation Activities
Activity #1
- (Wisconsin Model Academic Standard: A.4.1 Use effective reading strategies to achieve their purposes in reading. Comprehend reading by using strategies such as activating prior knowledge, establishing purpose, developing visual images.)
The Keeping Quilt is a story about five generations of family and the traditions passed down through the generations. In order to prepare students for reading The Keeping Quilt, discuss family and generations of family with the students. What is a generation? Who makes up a generation? Explain that a generation is family living around the same time. It is the time between the birth of parents and the birth of their children. Explain that three generations would start with the student's grandma and grandpa --> mom and dad --> then YOU! Use this activity ("My Family Tree") to help the students visualize the concept of generations.
*Created using Kidspiration
Anticipation #1 Family Tree.kid
Activity #2
- (A.4.3 Read and discuss literary and nonliterary texts in order to understand human experience. Demonstrate the ability to integrate general knowledge about the world and familiarity with literary and nonliterary texts when reflecting upon life's experiences.)
The Keeping Quilt is a story that involves family traditions. The quilt was made when Great-Gramma Anna moved to America with her family. The quilt was made from various artifacts of family members clothing as a keepsake in order to capture the memories from back home in Russia. As a tradition, this quilt was passed down from generation to generation. In order to have children connect with the story, this activity will allow students to reflect on some traditions or memories they have experienced in their own families.
*Created using Kidspiration
Anticipation #2 Family Traditions.kid
B. Building Knowledge Activities
Activity #1
- (Wisconsin Model Academic Standard: D.4.1 Develop their vocabulary of words, phrases, and idioms as a means of improving communication.)
The Keeping Quilt Vocabulary
This activity was taken from Quizlet. Quizlet offers a variety of fun games concerning vocabulary. Students can click on the link entitled "The Keeping Quilt Vocabulary" (above) and go to this website to familiarize themselves with various vocabulary words from the story. Words include: artificial flowers, babushka, challah, huppa, kulich, and candied fruit. These words are words that students might not be familiar with, and Quizlet offers various ways in which students can familiarize and learn the meanings of these words in fun and unique ways.
Activity #2
- (Wisconsin Model Academic Standard: A.4.2 Read, interpret, and critically analyze literature. Recognize and recall elements and details of story structure, such as sequence of events, character, plot, and setting, in order to reflect on meaning.)
After reading The Keeping Quilt,
have the students retell the story. When reading a fictional story, it is vital that a student be able to summarize the main aspects of a story. This activity will help students organize their thoughts and add symbols that will help them remember each part of the story.
*Created using Kidspiration
Building Knowledge #2 - Retelling a story.kid
C. Consolidation Activities
Activity #1
- (Wisconsin Model Academic Standard: B.4.1 Create or produce writing to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes. Write expressive pieces in response to reading, viewing, and life experiences (narratives, reflections, and letters) employing descriptive detail and a personal voice.)
Consolidation #1 Writing a Letter.doc
In The Keeping Quilt, we read about a family passing down traditions through five generations. One tradition they passed down through the generation is the quilt that Great-Gramma Anna made with her mom at the beginning of the story. Each student can write a friendly letter that can be passed down to their family's future generations. This activity prompts the students to write a letter to future generations in their family. Please see the Microsoft Word document (above) for the specific details and outline for the activity.
Activity #2
- (Wisconsin Model Academic Standard: A.4.3 Read and discuss literary and nonliterary texts in order to understand human experience. Demonstrate the ability to integrate general knowledge about the world and familiarity with literary and nonliterary texts when reflecting upon life's experiences.)
How to Make a Classroom Quilt.doc
Just like Great-Gramma Anna made a quilt with her mom in the beginning of the story, your class can make one too! This activity allows for each student to be uniquely creative. By giving them their own fabric square, students can design their square in a way that represents them. This activity not only allows students to be creative, but it reinforces the spirit and value of teamwork! Both of the images above showcase various ways the quilts can be made (the square pieces either sewn or tied together). Also, see the Microsoft Word document (above) for specific directions on ways to create your very own classroom quilt.
*Directions for making a classroom quilt were adapted and modified from
http://www.ehow.com/how_2060127_make-classroom-quilt.html.
