INDIANAPOLIS, April 10, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- In classrooms across Indianapolis this spring, scraps of paper and some well-loved children's books are helping students express their feelings about tolerance and acceptance. These feelings are realized through colors and the unique exuberance of youth, combining to create a thought-provoking "quilt" illustrating valuable lessons about what it means to be different and the importance of accepting people with differences.
The idea grew from Accenture's work with The Children's Museum in Indianapolis. Accenture sponsors the just-opened exhibit "Every Picture Tells A Story: Teaching Tolerance Through Favorite Children's Books" at the museum, and was searching for ways to bring those concepts to life for young students. The Accenture Acceptance Quilt project was developed with assistance from EDS and Goodwill Industries, and was quickly adopted by teachers eager to reinforce concepts of tolerance featured in books such as "Stellaluna," "The Sneetches," and "Charlotte's Web."
Students in 3rd and 4th grades are currently working on crafting "quilt" squares from kits distributed by Accenture this week. Classes are asked to consider questions about the meaning of acceptance and diversity when designing their squares. Squares from classes throughout the city will be displayed at The Children's Museum beginning May 3.
"We were inspired by the exhibit at the Children's Museum and wanted to bring the ideas into Indianapolis classrooms," said Julie Booth of Accenture. "We're hoping we spark new ideas about accepting others in a way students will find fun and memorable."
Schools participating in the project will be given a $250 contribution from Accenture along with bookstore gift certificates. Classes will be invited to participate in a special "Acceptance Parade" at The Children's Museum on May 3rd at 6 p.m. when all of their completed quilt work will be unveiled.
"The Indiana Quilt project fits perfectly into the Montessori program at IPS Rousseau McClellan School 91," said Principal Margi Higgs. "Our instructional method utilizes many hands-on, interactive, and collegial learning opportunities, so we were thrilled to be able to participate in a project that incorporates our methods and philosophy so well and gives our students the opportunity to extend their learning into the community."