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This fall, twenty fourth and fifth graders participated in Art from the Heart, a NEF grant-funded community project. This program was inspired by the book, The Quiltmaker's Gift, by Jeff Brumbeau . The premise of this story is that we should use our talents and gifts to benefit others. That is what made this group of students outstanding - they learned to make a quilt but they didn't keep it!  Instead, the quilt was presented to people in our community who are in need.

Including this year, the Art from the Heart program has donated a total of twelve quilts:  most to the San Antonio Children's Shelter and two to individual families in need.

While forming new friendships, these boys and girls learned  sewing basics and applied them to the art of quilting. They learned about the right and wrong sides of fabric, threading needles, knotting thread, keeping seam allowances, and making short, even stitches. They also improved fine motor skills, their understanding of geometry, and spatial awareness. By making the quilt together, they learned the fine art of working with others! And by donating their handiwork, they practiced generosity, becoming aware of the needs in their community, and setting a wonderful precedent and example.   I am very proud of them!