Estimated Time Required :
1 - 2 sessions depending on length of review and discussion before art creation.
Materials :
5" paper squares from recycled material, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers, and masking tape.
Directions :
This activity can provide a review and culmination for lessons learned about recycling and caring for the earth. It can be a classroom project or conducted school-wide. This activity can also be adapted for families.
- Discuss and review what children can do to care for the earth.
- Each child will make a special promise to the earth. Teachers or parents can make a word bank with words and phrases related to the promise of caring for the environment (e.g., "pick up trash," "conserve water," "plant trees," "recycle," "re-use," and so on.). Word banks are helpful in many literacy activities across the curriculum.
- Each child uses his/her square to create one piece of a large paper quilt. Each uses words and/or drawings to depict the promise.
- Take each of the children's squares and tape them close together on a large wall creating a full quilt. Visitors will love looking at the individual promises and children will feel proud of their commitment. They will be excited to see the final collaborative outcome of a beautiful hand-made quilt.
Follow Up :
Periodically, ask children to tell you what they are doing to keep their promise.
Creator :
This activity was submitted by Marie Sciretta, first grade teacher.
Credits :
This activity was part of a collaborative effort with other teachers in my school.
