Purpose:
Reinforce (a) free writing skills in the language arts and (b) creating basic design and patterns in art.

Directions:
Give each student one piece of no larger than 11" x 14" pastel-colored construction paper and one sheet of 5" x 7" lined composition paper. On the lined paper, students respond to the following prompt:

"What I like about P.E. is __________________ because ________________."

Fold the construction paper in half to create two, 5" x 7" columns. On one folded side of the piece of construction paper, students are to create designs and (or) patterns using bright colors and various shapes. Tell them to leave room in the middle of the design for drawing/coloring their name.

Assembly:
To assemble an individual panel, place the piece of lined paper between the folded piece of construction paper like a book and so that the side with the design forms the cover of the book. Staple the composition into the book. Glue or tape an individual panel onto the quilt (giant piece of foamboard) with the spine of the book facing up so that the panel can be opened like a page on a calendar and the student’s writing can be easily read.

Idea adapted from: Margie MacKenzie, Bayview Terrace Elementary School, San Diego, CA.