Signs of the Times

Signs of the Times lesson plan

Use Crayola® MiniStampers and Markers to create patterned designs similar to traditional Ashanti Adinkra cloth.

  • 1.

    Research information about African Adinkra cloth, in which cultural symbols are stamped on rectangular pieces of fabric with multiple, linear outlines on all borders. Adinkra cloth designs symbolize concepts, proverbs, events, people, and familiar objects in Ashanti culture. These rectangles are sewn together with bright threads to make garments and robes worn for ceremonial events.

  • 2.

    On 6- by 9-inch (16 by 23 cm) piece of white or light construction paper, use a Crayola Fine Tip Washable Marker and ruler to make three or four borderlines on the outside of the paper.

  • 3.

    Use Crayola MiniStampers and markers to portray popular, contemporary designs. Select designs with personal meaning. Fill the rectangle with creative patterns. Add thin marker lines to enhance the pattern.

  • 4.

    With markers on the back of the paper, explain the personal significance of the design choices.

  • 5.

    Use Crayola School Glue to attach everyone's rectangles together on colorful ribbons. Display the class "Signs of the Times," which are similar to Adinkra cloth in concepts and designs.

Benefits

  • Students recognize the characteristics and origins of African Adinkra cloth, and research the significance of symbols used on it in the Ashanti culture.
  • Children create similar designs with personal, contemporary meaning, and write about their selections.

Adaptations

  • Find out more about the daily lives, music, foods, and other aspects of the Ashanti people today. Create modern Adinkra cloth using symbols for these.
  • Locate where the Ashanti people live on a map of Africa. Learn more about the country's history and economy.
  • Create a class robe, quilt, or book of Adinkra cloth designs.
  • Younger children and special needs students may benefit from short practice sessions designing simple patterns. Provide small squares of paper to experiment with different marker patterns and designs.