A quilt for my husband

I bought fabric a long long time ago for a quilt for my husband.  I found it, he loved it an we got a bunch. 

 .....some time later......

 

 I find a block pattern that will work great with the two fabrics I have.  I begin cutting and making a bunch of blocks.  I modified his pattern a little but i could not have done it without the great directions in the pattern. I skipped some steps and started with an 8.5 inch square of my main fabric. I followed the directions for using the triangles to make a square.  It is harder than t looks, you have to pay attention to direction of your triangles.  Then I realize what a LARGE project this is, get bored and take a break.

.....several projects later my husbands asks whatever happened to his quilt.  Then every project I finish he says "that's really nice.  What about my quilt?" I explain its a LARGE project and I am not equipped to complete it. ( I did not share with him that i have short attention span and i like to be able to see the end ) That buys me some time but....then I feel bad and decide its time to work on it. 

I finish the main squares and then do some calculations to figure out how many squares it would take to make the quilt as big as he wants. Answer: a lot of squares! So I do some more calculations and figure out a second square Using the coordinating solids that I have.  Important side note -math is not my friend. I also have to calculate in seam allowances when making up my own square.  I draw this out on a post-it note, make one and then realize I do have some skills when it measures just like I wanted!

- the made up block -

  One 12 x 6 rectangle

  One 5.5 x 5.5 square

  One 6.5 x 5.5 rectangle

  Sew the two small ones together first then add the large rectangle.  Press and then gaze at wonderful           made up block. 

I can see the end in sight and decide to keep going.  Once all the squares are done I do a little happy dance.  Then I return to business and arrange the squares on the bed and again do a happy dance.  I can see the end it is getting closer and closer.  I started putting the squares into rows.  When it comes time to put the rows together I realize again what a LARGE project this is. 

Then it was time for more math! Otherwise known as adding the border.  I read a few tutorials on measuring and sewing borders.   I measured one side then made the strip.  Again counting in seam allowances when piecing together is crucial.   When adding the top and bottom you now have an extra little bit on the sides to count. 

That is all for now.  My mom is going to quilt it for me and I will post a picture when it is finished.

Classroom Management : An Idea

I found this blog post the other day and it made me stop and evaluate what I am using for classroom management, what works and the purpose behind what we do.  As a special education teacher and beyond that as a teacher in an Autism program the goal is to shape behavior beginning with positive reinforcement.  We know that positive feedback should be 4-5 times more frequent than negative feedback.  Feedback should also be specific, direct and quick.  We can shape behavior by the amount or frequency of feedback we give and by raising the expectations in small increments.

This idea of "Happy Sticks" is interesting. It is based on a positive reinforcement system.  Where you might walk around and pass out a sticker or a high five you would give a student a "Happy Stick".  Students then save their "Happy Sticks" to trade in for prizes. 

I think at this point it will be too much for my young preschoolers to fully grasp.  I like that this system gives staff a visual prompt to remember that positive feedback.  You could set a goal each day or each activity or for a single student to make sure that positive feedback is happening and is specific and quick.   This system would also allow you to give more than one "Happy Stick" for exceptional behavior. 


This is just my thoughts. 

What is everyone else using? What has worked?  What has been a disaster?