We started our day reading the book Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold and discussed two major themes: 1. why are quilts important and 2. what it's like to dream about your future. We asked students to imagine.
Quilts have been an important contribution to American culture for many reasons. Black slaves created quilts for their White slave owners. Quilts were an economical way to stay warm. Immigrants introduced quilting to American culture. Quilts are still popular today. But even more uniquely, quilts tell stories.
Students created a Tar Beach inspired quilt collage. In their art project, students created a quilt collage of an immigrant dreamscape. Students expressed their thoughts and feelings concerning what immigrants might dream as they thought about immigrants obtaining freedom in their new life through this visual.
Students tried out the Virginia Reel, George Washington's favorite dance, and then were taught a Hip Hop routine.
Students learned that new families have come to the Waterbury region for the past three centuries. Colonial farmers (1680-1800), factory workers and industrial magnates (1800-1950), and citizens of our contemporary world (1950-today) have impacted industry in the greater Waterbury area. This exhibit provides insight into Waterbury’s history, telling stories that are relevant to those who live here today, connecting the past to the present, and laying a foundation for the future.
In conjunction with touring this exhibit, students also took the tour of the Waterbury Green learning about the important history of this ever growing diverse city.
Group A: November 12
Group B: November 18