Projects for A Stitch in Time

Select one of the following projects to present in class. If you tend to be shy, try to pair up with someone who is more comfortable at the front of the room. All members of a group must share in the presentation of the project, but one student may act as the chief spokesperson.

1. With classmates, rehearse and perform a scene from this novel.

2. If you are artistic, create a photo album of the main characters. Include a caption or quote from the novel identifying each of the key figures. Present these pictures (at least ten) in an album format.

3. Read Lyddie by Katherine Peterson. While this novel deals with a somewhat later period than A Stitch in Time, this fictional account offers an excellent picture of the conditions faced by female textile workers of the time period.

4. Research the history, culture, and traditions of the Shawnee Indians.

5. Read another of Ann Rinaldi's historical novels.

6. Create a newspaper that could have been published in Salem during the time period covered in this novel. The main articles should relate to the plot of A Stitch in Time. The newspaper should also include other articles, ads, sailing notices, an editorial, etc. This project could be done by an individual or a small group. The newspaper can be produced using the classroom computer and a simple program such as The Writing Center .

7. Explore the history of quilt making in this country. Answer such questions as: why were quilts originally made? what social role did quilt making play for women? what are some of the oldest patterns of quilts known in this country? etc.

8. During the Bicentennial, a group of Weymouth women created a commemorative quilt which is on display at the Town Hall. Learn more about this local treasure and report your findings to the class.

9. Interview a quilter. Learn how this person developed an interest in quilting, how designs are selected, and why this classic artform is growing in popularity today.

10. Report on the history of the Lowell Mills. Be sure to include information about the conditions faced by the girls and women who worked in them.

11. Create a 12 inch by 12 inch quilt square. The subject of your square might related to the time period or themes explored in this novel, or you might prefer to create a square which reflects your hobbies, personality, and interests.

12. Write a poem of at least twelve lines about one of the themes explored in this novel.

13. Create a board game based on this novel.

14. Draw a minimum of ten scenes from this novel. Include a caption or quote under each one and assemble them in a booklet format with an appropriate cover design.

15. Research Weymouth's early maritime history. Create a poster illustrating your findings.

16. Read Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham.
17. You now have seventeen projects form which to choose. As always, you are free to dream up another idea. You might compose a song or perhaps a web page dedicated to Ann Rinaldi's novels. The choice is yours. Just be sure to check with me to be sure your project is acceptable.

Do not delay. . . Procrastination leads to poor projects which will not please your perpetually pleasant pedagogue ! ! !

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Weymouth Junior High, 360 Pleasant Street,Weymouth, MA 02190

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