This lesson plan focuses on equality, integrity as inspired by the book Sam Johnson and Blue Ribbon Quilt. Note that the book, written in 1992, does not include transgender or nonbinary characters. For more lessons from books, see Book Reviews and Lesson Plans for Children

Overview

These lesson plans are for ages 5-11, but can be appreciated by all ages, including adults.

Synopsis of Story

One morning, Sam Johnson discovers that the awning overhis pig pen is torn. His wife is out of town, so that evening hesits down to mend the tear himself. It turns out that he enjoys sewing! Before long, he has sewn a wonderful andcreative patch — at least he thinks so. His wife is less impressed. She lets him know that she feels sewing and quilting is nowork for a man.

Soon, though, Sam gathers the men of the town into amale quilting club! Together, they create a Flying Geese quilt.The Rosedale Men’s Quilting Club enters their quilt into competition with the Rosedale Women’s Quilting club at the County Fair. As the members of the two clubs are on their way to the fair, a gust of wind blows both quilts into a large mud puddle. As the contestants look down at the mess that has been made of all of their hard work, the men notice how beautiful the women’s Sail Boats quilt is. The women notice that the men have created a very beautiful quilt as well. Just then, Sam has an idea. Why not take the clean patches from the two quilts and make one quilt to enter in the contest?

With that, they enter their “Flying Sailboats” quilt, and it wins the blue ribbon for the day.               

Opening

Begin with an opening that includes introductions all around and a short period of silent centering. If you have older children, read the quote below. Be sure to explain terms. For example, you could define “prejudice” as saying some people can’t do certain things. “Discipleship” means people who are in a community together, especially a faith group.

Respect the wide diversity among us in our lives and relationships. Refrain from making prejudiced judgments about the life journeys of others. Do you foster the spirit of mutual understanding and forgiveness which our discipleship asks of us? Remember that each of us is unique, precious, a child of God.

— Advices and Queries, Britain Yearly Meeting

Then, read through Sam Johnson and Blue Ribbon Quilt. You might ask for volunteer readers with older children, but be very sure that only those who want to read are asked to do so.

Discussion questions

• I wonder what you like the most about this story.
• I wonder why Sam’s wife was not more appreciative of the patch Sam created for the awning. What do you think?
• Why do you think the women of the town thought that it was funny that a man would want to learn to quilt?
• Sam wanted to quilt so much that he posted Equality for Men signs all over town. Why do you think he felt so determined?
• Do you think that the women of the Rosedale Women’s Quilting Club were nervous when they found out that the men were forming their own club? If so, why?
• It seems like it was difficult for the women and men to tell each other that their quilts were beautiful. I wonder why this was so.
• Do you think that the Rosedale Quilting Club continued with both men and women? I wonder if this caught on in other towns!

Activities

Glue a Quilt

Have 12 inch squares of fairly heavy cloth for each child. (Felt works very well for both the background and the quilt pieces. Have a few extra squares for fast workers.) For younger children, have pre-cut shapes for them to work with. Older children will enjoy cutting shapes themselves. Have quilt pattern books available for the children to look at, but be sure to explain that they may create any pattern they like. When the squares are done, discuss with the class and decide if they want to take their squares home with them, or have the squares sewn into a hanging for the Meetinghouse.

Song

“This Little Light of Mine,” page 266 in Worship in Song: A Friends Hymnal, Quaker Press of Friends General Conference

Closing

Have a closing time of silence. 

Credits

Lesson plan by Ellen Kepchar of New Garden (NC).