Siesta Pillow

Siesta Pillow lesson plan

Explore daily life in Mexico, particularly the practice of the midday siesta. Use Crayola® Fabric Crayons to design a siesta pillow with traditional Mexican images.

  • 1.

    Research the origins of siestas in hot climates, as well as traditional and contemporary Mexican images. Choose authentic symbols that could represent a dream theme for your Siesta Pillow.

  • 2.

    Cut an 8-inch (20 by 20 cm) square of white paper with Crayola Scissors. Use Crayola Fabric Crayons to draw dream symbols on the square. Draw in reverse so it will transfer right side up to siesta pillow fabric. Press hard for intense crayon colors.

  • 3.

    Cut white synthetic fabric (not 100% cotton) into a 9- by 18-inch (23 by 46 cm)piece.

  • 4.

    On a flat surface, place several blank sheets of white paper over layers of newspaper for ironing. Place fabric on the paper, face up. Lay design face down near one end of fabric. Top with white paper.

  • 5.

    An adult sets an iron on cotton, with no steam, and preheats it. The adult places the iron in one spot, presses down, then lifts and moves the iron to another spot until the entire design is transferred to the Siesta Pillow. Carefully remove the paper.

  • 6.

    Fold fabric in half with the image inside. Glue pillow sides together with Crayola School Glue. Dry completely, then stuff. Glue open side closed. Dry.

  • 7.

    Write a dream story that includes your pillow images. Write with Crayola Colored Pencils, in Spanish or another language of Mexico if possible.

Benefits

  • Children explore the Mexican culture to find out how daily routines are influenced by midday heat.
  • Students use fabric crayons to create a siesta pillow using images that are traditional within the native and/or Spanish cultures of Mexico. Children draw images in reverse to transfer to fabric. <BI>Provide adult supervision and conduct melted crayon tec
  • Children write a fantasy piece about a dream on their siesta pillow.

Adaptations

  • Discuss why midday siestas or long lunches are common in countries with hot climates. Imagine things people might dream about during their siestas.
  • Continue this writing prompt: "I closed the shutters on the hot midday sun and lay down. With my head on my siesta pillow, I dreamed...." Share story drafts. Continue writing, incorporating ideas inspired by peers.