HOW IT WORKS
Quilt the Curriculum combines technology, language arts, and math with the practical skills of decision-making, planning, cooperation, sewing, and pride in work to achieve standards in the chosen curriculum areas. If there is a computer lab, teacher and students meet there, with the teacher focusing on several students per class session. While the rest of the class works on the assigned software chosen to enhance, reinforce, and enrich classroom programs, the focus students work on the same math software until they correctly complete a math screen they have chosen to use as their square in the quilt. The students are taught to save their work through the screen shot technique; to retrieve their saved screen through KidPix, Apple Works, or Claris Work; to add and edit text; and to print on printable fabric. Some students prefer to create original computer drawings to depict specific math concepts. Other students choose to draw math concepts on art paper and then scan their work into the computer, add text, and print. The entire class as a whole can plan out the look and placement of the finished quilt, and then the quilt is sewn together. This program can be expanded to include any subject in any grade level. Students can also type out stories, poems, etc. and have them printed and sewn into a quilt. Photos can be  scanned into the computer and then have text added before they are printed and sewn together. A manual for this program is available. 

THE STUDENTS
Three first-grade classes consisting of 55 students participated in this program. Although these were general education classes, some of the students were below grade level and tested for resource and special education placement. Most of the students were using a computer for the first time, and attended the computer lab twice a week. The program can easily be adapted for other grades. 

THE STAFF
Sharon Shebar has taught in the NYC public schools since 1980, first as a Special Education teacher in District 28 and 25, and then as a Computer Lab teacher and a pre-kindergarten teacher at P.S. 201 in Flushing, Queens. She is also the author of 17 books for both children and adults, and a teacher of writing in the Department of Continuing Education at Nassau Community College. 

WHAT YOU NEED 
The program requires a computer, printer, scanner, curricula-based software, an art-based program such as KidPix, printable fabric, decorative fabric, thin batting, needles and thread, a pencil and a ruler, an iron and ironing surface, and either fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and a self-healing mat. 

OVERALL VALUE 
Quilt the Curriculum integrates math, computer skills, planning and cooperation skills, while developing an interest in sewing and quilting.
Students gain experience in the chosen computer program, thus using the curricula in an enjoyable and meaningful way. They cooperate in the planning of a project and develop self-esteem  by completing their work and experiencing the reactions of their peers, teachers, and families when the finished quilt is displayed.