Let the race begin--the Space Race, that is! This week, both Tapestry of Grace classes learned about the Soviet satellite, Sputnik. The launch of Sputnik shocked the United States and caused us to fear the Soviets even more. Sputnik was an 184 pound satellite, that merely sent bleeps back to earth, yet, it was the first man-made object in space and the Soviets took the early lead in space exploration. In class, the kids made their own space craft out of household objects-showing great creativity and ingenuity. They mapped out the United States and the Soviet Union and the Lower Grammar kids made small Sputnik models and the Upper Grammar kids made little paper rockets that can be launched by blowing through a straw. Downstairs, the younger kids read "The Rag Coat." It's the touching story of a little girl, Minna, who lives in poverty in Appalachia. She can't go to school because she doesn't have a coat. The "quilting mothers" of her town get together and make her a coat out of quilted rags. The kids at school make fun of Minna's coat until she tells them how each rag tells a story, then they love Minna's coat! Next, the kids had a coat fashion show of their own, telling a story of what they would like to do in their coats. Then the kids shared their favorite quilts and they made a paper quilt craft.
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