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The Fabric of History
African-American history is an integral part of what America is. Learners examine important events, read informational texts, and create quilts depicting specific eras in African-American history. Each image created for the quilt will be...
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Textile Quilt
Learners, after researching various textile patterns, colors and motifs, explore and discover the vibrant colors and patterns of traditional African fabrics. Together they create an informative classroom textile quilt that illustrates...
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Famous African-American Fabric Paintings
Students examine famous African-Americans. In this African-Americans lesson, students research and give an oral report on a famous African-American.
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Kuba African Cloth
Young scholars identify four different African cloth design styles and associate them with the cultures examined in this lesson plan. The lesson plan also includes a creative project where each student creates their own cloth design.
Dick Blick Art Materials
“Gawu” — African-influenced Tapestry
Here's a great way to combine environmental science with art. Kids use recycled materials to create their own Gawu, a tapestry made of discards. Although designed for special education classrooms, the activity is sure to engage all...
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Mapping the African American Past
Fourth graders explore the African Americans impact on New York. In this US History lesson plan, 4th graders examine an archaeological website. Students research the Five Points neighborhood.
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Making a Living and Leisure Activities
Students investigate the economic and daily activities in a typical African community. They design and construct a small scale house, play an African board game, create African money, discuss vocabulary, and write an essay.
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Quilt to Freedom
Students investigate the Underground Railroad. In this African-American history lesson, students listen to the book Clara and the Freedom Quilt and use map skills to identify the various locations in the book. Students create a freedom...
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Social Studies: African Banner Boxes
Students write creation stories and design stamps to use on banners accompany them. They discuss the use of stamps in African culture to take the place of words. Students use a handout of stamps and their own creations to create banners...
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The African American Experience: A Research Quilt
Learners research the contributions of African American leaders of the 1900's, They design and construct a quilt square showing the achievements of that individual.
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Downing's Oyster House: Building New York
Fourth graders explore African American contributions to New York City. In this antebellum New York lesson, 4th graders research the accomplishments of Thomas Downing. Students explore primary and secondary sources about Downing's oyster...
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African Markets: Out in the Open
Students identify advantages and disadvantages of African open air markets. They discuss the types of items sold there and why the markets are outdoors. They observe a bartering session between the teacher and another adult. Finally,...
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If You Could Fly, Where Would You Go?
Students explore story quilts. In this cross curriculum literacy and art lesson, students listen to the story Tar Beachand discuss the art form of story quilts as used by Faith Ringgold. Students sketch their own "Where Would You Fly?"...
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The Art of the Quilt
Students examine why fabric was first sewn in layers and how it was used. They identify, compare and make 3 different fabric design types which will become a basis for looking at the quilts created by African Americans. They begin the...
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Communicating Values and History through Masks
Pupils create an African style mask that depicts a value or character trait that is important in their community.
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Literacy & Art: The Story behind the Quilt
Students examine the many ways quilts were used to chronicle the history and experiences of African slaves and African-Americans in America. They analyze a story quilt using the elements of storytelling, then create a class quilt.
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A Monster's World
Study African American inventor Jan Ernst Matzeliger and create imaginary monsters using texture.
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African Masks
Fourth graders create three-dimensional paper African masks. They analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of Africa. they discover that masks were worn for various ceremonies.
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Geography: African Floor Maps
Learners explore the African continent and identify the various countries there. They examine the history, geography, environment, and inhabitants of the countries. Students create maps of Africa using a variety of materials.
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The Family Quilt
Third graders examine the artwork of Faith Ringgold. They create their own quilt pattern on fabric and piece them together to create a class quilt. They compare their similarities with one another.
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Using the Patterns and Symbols of Mali Mud Cloth to Convey Identity
Young scholars participate in relating the role of the arts in defining identity. They examine the community in West African society and how members of that community define their role. They view how artifacts, music and performance can...
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The Roman Calendar: The Fabric of Our Time
Fourth graders explore the Roman origins and evolution of our calendar.
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Art Lesson: Doll Making
Young scholars read and discuss the main characters and supporting characters in the African folktale, "Tiger and the Big Wind." They highlight the physical features of the animal that makes them unique and transfers those same qualities...
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Abuela's Weave Teacher's Guide
Students read and response to the book, Abuela's Weave. In this African-American literature lesson, students discuss pre-reading questions, that focus on family traditions and make predictions about the text. Students read the text and...