CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR S.C. TEACHER CADET COURSE | EXPERIENCING EDUCATION, TENTH EDITION
Coat of Arms/Shield or Quilt Squares
Objective: Students will be able to self-explore and examine personal characteristics and
values.
Essential Question: What are my values and the values of my classmates?
Note: The instructor may choose either the coat of arms/shield or the quilt square to address
this objective and the self-reflective questions. Both formats are attractive
classroom displays.
Activities:
1. Coat of Arms/Shield: Discuss the meaning of a personal coat of arms/shield.
(European families often designed and displayed coats of arms that signified ancestral
histories and accomplishments. Likewise, African tribes created shields portraying
symbolic values.) Explain that students will each develop a coat of arms or shield
focusing on personal characteristics and values. Distribute the “Coat of Arms” (or shield)
handouts. Students may add words and art on the 8½ x 11 paper or create a larger
shield.
OR
Quilt Square: Discuss the history of quilting in America. (Various patterns hold special
meaning for families; special quilts were often handed down in families. In some quilts,
each square represents special moments or records the history of a family.) Explain
that students will each develop a quilt square focusing on personal characteristics and
values. Distribute the “Quilt Square” handout and give the following directions:
2. Coat of Arms/Shields and Quilt Squares: Read the statements on the student handout.
Consider possible answers and write them down on the back of the student handout.
Choose those answers that best exemplify you and place them in the appropriate
sections of the quilt square. You may add pictures and artwork to illustrate your answers.
3. Summarize this activity by having each student share one or two insights revealed through
this experience. Display the coat of arms or shields on classroom walls or bulletin boards,
or put all the squares together to make a colorful quilt to display on a wall of your
classroom.
Materials:
• Handout: “Coat of Arms/Shields” or “Quilt Squares”
Assessment:
Instructors may choose one or more of the following assessments.
1. Students may include in their portfolios their coat of arms/shield or quilt square, along with
reflective comments.
2. Students may give the coat of arms/shield or quilt square to a family member to complete
or ask a family member to answer the questions. Students will compare the relative’s
square and answers to theirs.
3. Students may elect to write a reflective journal entry comparing and contrasting their
responses to those of their relative.
Time:
45 minutes
Standards:
I.1.1: Students will analyze their strengths and areas for improvement as learners.
I.1.2: Students will evaluate themselves as diverse individuals, learners, and
community members.
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Theme I: Experiencing Learning
Unit 1: Awareness and Reflection
*Mandatory lesson