An American Patchwork Quilt

Beth W. Wells

Union High School

January 2003

America is like a patchwork quilt:

• Many people

• Many cultures

• Many ethnic groups

• Many traditions

You students are representative of the variety of people that make America.

In many ways, this class is like a patchwork quilt.

Patchwork quilts come in a variety

of colors, fabrics, shapes, and designs.

Just look at a few examples.

Look at this pattern called the friendship quilt.

Notice the repeating design.

This picture is called

Granny’s Quilt.Notice the pride

with which Granny

displays her handiwork.

Here is a quilt showing squares.

Notice the vibrant colors and the many designs.

This is a nine point pattern.

Count the smaller squares inside each panel.

Quilts are made of symbols.

Each symbol tells a story.

Notice how this Hospital Quilt

shows squares that represent various services and programs.

Our classroom is rich in diversity.

Each of you is unique:

your family’s heritage,

your beliefs,and

your traditions.

Explore your family’s history.

Learn about your heritage.

Examine your beliefs and customs.

Then design a quilt section that represents your heritage.

Explain the meaning of the pattern to your classmates.

Add your panel to our classroom quilt.

Give color to your panel.

Use meaningful symbols.

Present your creation with pride.

The End

The slides shown in this presentation are courtesy of The

Library of Congress American Memory Collection.