THE LANGUAGE OF QUILTS

 

 CREATE A QUILT SQUARE (S)

 

 

1.  Go to: http://pathways.thinkport.org/secrets/

 

On this website click on the “Language of Quilts” tab and read about the importance of quilts during slavery and their use in the Underground Railroad.

 

  1. Pay attention to the symbols described and their purpose.  For instance, what was the Bowtie Pattern or the Bear’s Paw Trail Pattern?

 

  1. Once you have read through this section of the website, please use your JOURNAL to answer the following questions:

·         HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE SECRET SYSTEM THAT   HELPED THEM ESCAPE?

·         WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN BRAVE ENOUGH TO TRY AND TRAVEL TO FREEDOM?            

·         WHAT IMAGES DO YOU SEE IN YOUR MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF SLAVERY, PEOPLE ESCAPING SLAVERY, OR THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN GENERAL?

 

This is your brainstorming/prewriting stage.

 

  1. Go to the interactive and follow the directions for making your own secret quilt message.  This quilt block should communicate a message reflecting something you have learned about slavery and the Underground Railroad.

·         Make sure you follow the directions carefully.

·         Be sure to describe your quilt block and fill in your name before printing.

 

 

     5.  Write a paragraph describing your quilt.  Consider the following questions for your paragraph:       

  • Why did you choose this particular pattern?
  • Describe your use of colors and shapes.
  • How is it symbolic of slavery and the Underground Railroad?
  • What is its message?
  • Why would this symbol have been valuable to slaves if used?

***ATTACH YOUR PREWRITING WITH PARAGRAPH

 

SEE GRADING RUBRIC

 

GRADING RUBRIC

 

 

 

QUILT

 

PARAGRAPH

 

______SENTENCE FLUENCY

·         Is my paragraph easy to read? Do my sentences begin in different ways?  Did I use some long sand some short sentences?  Does my paper sound smooth as I read it aloud?

 

______ORGANIZATION

·         Does my beginning hook my reader?  Is my paper easy to follow?  Did I choose the best way to organize my story?  Do my ideas link to the main message?  Do I have a strong conclusion that wraps up the paragraph?

 

_____VOICE

·         Can the reader tell I am enthusiastic about my topic?  Does this writing sound like me?  How do I want my readers to feel?  Will my paragraph hold readers’ attention?  Will they want to hear more?

 

_____WORD CHOICE

·         Have I used some strong verbs or colorful phrases that grab my reader?  Have I chosen the most precise word?  Have I used any unique words?  Did I repeat common words too many times?

 

_____IDEAS

·         What is my message and is it focused and clear?  Did I include important details relevant to my topic?  Did the reader learn something new?  Is my paper interesting and easy to understand?

 

_____CONVENTIONS

Did I leave spaces between words and sentences?  Did I use a title?  Did I use correct punctuation?  Did I use capital letters in the right places?  Have I proofread for correct spelling and grammar?