All the animals come together on the quilt which is part of the story and on the inside covers of the book. Begin the project by reading or singing the lyrics. The music can be found on the back cover. It is the same tune as the traditional song "Over in the Meadow"

     Now, it's the kids turn. Ask them to create their own versions by:

• choosing an animal or group of animals that they want to highlight and
• creating additional verses and images in the format of the book.

     Observing, appreciating, and learning about animals is the first step to understanding the complex natural and social relationship between humans and animals.

     Begin by having students choose an animal with which they have direct contact and can study on a regular basis:

• a critter that lives with the family
• a classroom animal friend
• an animal visitor to the yard

     Assist them in their observations by asking them to describe "What is interesting about this animal?" Their responses can include the following observations:

• what they eat and how often
• how they sleep and for how long
• what special things they do
• how they relate to other critters
• how they relate to humans

     Together with the kids, develop a verse for each animal following the format used in the book. For example:

At Jennifer's home here in Hayward fair
Lives a tine tabby kitten without a care
"Meow," purrs Tiger, "Meow" we agree
And he leaps and he rolls so wild and free

     For older students, the theme of endangered habitats can be brought in. The back of the book includes detailed information about the animals in the book. This study can also foster additional research on animals, who are in need of protection, but not a part of the book's narrative.

     Questions to guide the discussions can include:

• What does the animal look like?
• What sounds does it make?
• How does the animal move?
• What does it eat?
• What special skills, qualities or powers does the animal have?
• How does its body or markings reflect or help with those abilities?
• Where does the animal live? and What will it take to preserve its habitat?
• What other animals or plants rely on this animal's presence to survive?
• What particularly attracts you to this animal?

     Ask the student to try using a poetic or personal voice expressing the spirit of the animal. Some ideas to explore:

• Read the words of Earthsong instead of singing them.
• Try rhyming and not rhyming words that describe the animals.
• Talk about how much of the story is told by the visual of the painting.
• Write a paragraph that expressly describes an animal. Then make a quilt square to go along with the paragraph.

     The master for the quilt pieces can be copied onto white card stock or varied colors of card stock or construction paper. Having a small pool of colors will assist in unifying the quilt. The quilt squares can be created as drawings, paintings, collages or other art media. If you are currently exploring a certain medium (pastels, scratchboard, printmaking, etc...), you can incorporate this study into the creation of the quilt by asking students to work in that particular medium. Playful ingredients can be added to the creations: "googly eyes," feathers, beads, shells, small beans, etc.
     Make sure that included in each of their squares is the name of the animal featured and the name of the artist. The paragraphs or verses that are written can also be included; they can also be displayed next to the quilt.
     Now it's time to bring the different parts of the quilt together!
     Provide a large surface for mounting the quilt parts, such as s cardboard painted black, black foamcore, or black paper on a bulletin board. The background will blend with the outline of the quilt block boarders, thereby creating a unified look. The black will also make the finished piece visible from a distance. This approach is also resonant with the Earthsong quilt depicted in the book.
     This project works well as an individual classroom experience or as an all school project.
     Once the quilt is complete, sing through the book, adding the verses that the students have written. The most important thing is to have fun!

     Click here for printable copy of quilt master example and instructions!
     Click here to return to Curriculum Card.
      Click here to send us feedback or suggestions.
 

	Sun Gallery		since 1975