She was inspired to pursue quiltmaking as a vehicle for her art after hearing her mother’s stories of their ancestors, who were slaves trained to make quilts on their plantation. Glue squares on with glue sticks.Faith Ringgold made her first quilt, Echoes of Harlem, with her mother, Madame Willi Posey, in 1980. Pre-cut patterned paper or fabric to fit the smaller spaces. On the bigger empty spaces, the students can draw pictures of things that they like or that tell about their family. In the large center, students can draw a self-portrait or a family portrait. I recommend using thicker paper or cardstock on the bypass tray for this project. Included is an 8.5″x11″ version as well as an 11″x17″ version (which many standard copiers can print). Click on the link to receive the free high resolution download at TPT. Here is the template we used for the quilts. This page by Scholastic gives additional background information you might find useful.

We read the books Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold and Cassie’s Word Quilt (Amazon Affiliate links). We talked about the design elements of Faith Ringgold’s work and how she makes stories and artwork based on things she has experienced her life and community. So this year, we used the pre-drawn templates from this download in my shop. I also pre-cut all of the patterned square papers from scrapbooking paper.

I cut the square drawing paper to a slightly smaller size than the colored background paper. These kindergarten pictures from the previous year were made without the template. In the past, I had the students cut construction paper scraps to make a picture of a family memory. That’s where I got the idea to use a printed template to make it easier for the students. My daughter did something similar at her school in her classroom.

I have a free printable for you that will make this lesson easier. Many art teachers have taught about the artist Faith Ringgold and had their students create paper quilts. The following examples were all made by kindergartners near the end of the year, but I would think this lesson would be suitable for kids through grades 2. This would be good as as a “getting to know you” activity. Hi! I’m here today to share with you a meaningful art project for your younger students.

Tar beach story quilt