The Kindergarten Children with a community of support, finished their textile quilt at the end of May. It will be displayed for the month of June at The Textile Museum in Washington, DC. From there, it will be a gift to the school from the Kindergarten classes of 2010-2011. While I am in awe of this beautiful labor of love, I am struck by the quiet meaning of each square. The essence of being 5 and 6 resonates like a hymn in the voices of the children.
“Let me look upward
Into the branches of the towering oak
And know that it grew great and strong
Because it grew slowly and well”
(Wilferd Peterson)
PS Thank you to the multitude of parents, grandparents, SWS staff, Textile Museum docents, and friends who helped to make this textile quilt not only a beautiful piece of art, but a testimony to connection, caring and kindness.
Teacher Marla:
What dedication you have shown. I am so in awe of the creation that you have led and the memories that you have created for these children. This is what ‘teaching/learning’ is about both for the children and their extended community.
Many thanks for your vision and support.
Pat (kindergarten grandparent)
Absolutely extraordinary! Thank you for sharing this. I love how you have documented their heartfelt stories. Beautiful.
These are too wonderful! I like how you photographed each one in a hoop so it stood distinctly next to the childrens’ description.I can’t decide which one I love the most. (It might be the man made of a heart).
Wonderful – These make me smile!
This is s journey of love! It is incredible. To have an adult who is willing to listen to the children;to listen to their stories. It amazes me to see that they have such deep feelings. Also, to see that they listen to the words coming from family, friends and teachers. The snippets of memories that hold meaning to them.
The patience to do such a grand piece of work is a compliment to an extraordinary teacher. You continue to inspire me .
This is a wonderful project, and the process and the product are wonderful to see. Textiles are underused as a medium for young children, I think, and I’m sure you’ve inspired some sewers.
What beautiful documentation and sincere honoring of the children’s art, words, and ideas. I have been so interested in creating a quilt as they do offer such beautiful, symbolic storytelling, but to be honest it always feels daunting to me as a person with no experience. Thank you for reminding me that there is support – parents, museums, quilters of all kinds are out there. A reminder and an inspiration.
Exellent info! Bookmarking it now. will visit your blog again..
Very interesting; thank you for sharing!