A Patchwork Celebration of America 250

"How is America like a patchwork quilt?"

That was the driving question for fourth- and fifth-graders in Ashley Hummel’s Southview/Hawthorne Summer School class as they completed a colorful Project Based Learning experience celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Students researched states from across the country, learning about each state’s geography, history, symbols, wildlife and other distinctive features. They then used what they discovered to design individual paper quilt squares. When all of the pieces were brought together, they formed one impressive Celebrate America quilt representing the diversity of our nation.

The project also provided a wonderful example of the authentic literacy that Superintendent Emily Miller has made a top priority across Kearney School District. Students read informational materials, recorded and organized their research, wrote about what they learned, discussed their ideas with classmates and translated their new knowledge into a creative finished product.

In other words, they were reading, writing, thinking, talking and creating throughout the entire experience.

Just like America itself, the completed quilt is made stronger, more interesting and more beautiful by the many unique pieces that form the whole. This is the great work that makes Kearney a great community!