Our Class "Adinkra Cloth"

Inspired by the story "The Talking Cloth" (from our anthology, Houghton Mifflin Reading/ California), our class made a simplified version of African Adrinka Cloth.
After showing the class examples of Adrinka stamps, cloths, and artisans; and discussing the meaning of certain motifs; we were ready to create out own cloth. 

African Adinkra Cloth from Ghana

Calabash stamps are softened for a year with shea butter, then a symbolic pattern is carved.

The stamp is dipped in dye, then gently rocked to print the image onto the fabric.

 

 

The symbol is repeated within rectangular borders

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos included with permission of Dr. Carol Ventura

http://iweb.tntech.edu/cventura/adinkra.htm

Our Adinkra Cloth Project: 

Each child used half of a potato which they carved into a stamp.  They cut simple geometric designs using a pumpkin carving tool.  Next, they painted black tempra paint onto the surface of the stamp.  Afterward, they practiced stamping a piece of paper, then were given a scrap of fabric to create a repeated design using their stamp multiple times. 
Later, I tacked each cloth onto a large piece of fabric.

As a cross curricular  connection, I had each child choose a character trait from Character Counts and record the meaning of their personal symbol.  
Example:  "My Adinkra Cloth symbol stands for trustworthiness.  It tells us to have the courage to do the right thing."

Coming to America/ the Statue of Liberty

Beginning in 1999, 3rd graders at our school have studied immigration, Coming to the USA : Ellis Island, a simulation project begun by 3rd grade teacher, Sylvia Leong.  This year we added Angel Island, since families who emigrated from Asia & Australia entered the U.S. from our west coast (not Ellis Island).  In conjunction with this study students wrote about their own ancestors' journeys to America.

Angel Island immigrants.  Photo from aiisf.org

Ellis Island immigrant, 1907.  Photo from old-picture.com

This year, I researched immigrant costume from the early 1900's, and our art teacher helped students draw pictures of their ancestors  as they may have looked when going through the Immigration Inspection Stations.  As in previous years, the students wrote letters to family members whom they left back in the old country and explained their journeys & new lives.

Thank you, Mrs. Stiles, for developing this great art activity!

After studying Coming to the USA, the entire 3rd grade along with MANY of their parents & a few grandparents,  reenacted  their ancestors’ journey to Ellis Island/Angel Island.  They went through the immigration process including the  steamship ride, seeing the Statue of Liberty for the 1st time, having their passports checked, being inspected for diseases, taking a literacy test, exchanging currency, being detained, mailing a letter home from the post office, buying fruit & bread, playing games while waiting for other family members to be processed, and finally being allowed to enter the country & purchasing a ferry and possibly train ticket to travel to their final destination.  Everyone dressed in period clothing.




Students expressed feelings that the reenactment seemed  very real to them.  Some students were worried that they would be turned away since they had learned that some immigrants were sent back home.
In the end all of our immigrants were accepted into the U.S.  Their adventure ended with the songs, "Hello Ellis Island", "America",  and  "Coming to America",
with the help of their music teacher, Mrs. Waldman.

Our "Coming to America" simulation is one of the highlights of our students' elementary school experience.  Upon 5th grade culmination it is often sited as a favorite grade school memory.  It would not be possible without a lot of parent enthusiasm & participation, and the dedication of parents willing to organize & participate in the event.

 

 Inspired by the blog, we heart art:  Election Day, by Joanna Davis,  I led my students in a direct drawing project of the Statue of Liberty.  On Ellis Island Day they saw Lady Liberty in New York Harbor, and she recited her poem to them.
Our drawings were done with blue crayon on green construction paper, (although you can't really tell the color from my photos.)   Unfortunately, I have poor photography skills, but the kids did great!