11.13.2011

third grade weaving part 1


Our third grade artists have created some beautiful textile pieces using the ancient art of weaving. The words "text" and "textile" come from the same Latin origin meaning, “to weave.” We have discussed how text implies a story or words and how storytelling is very much a part of textiles and weaving. With this in mind, our artists were asked to tell a story using color and pattern in their weavings. The third graders had some wonderful stories to tell!





I love this Doctor Who inspired weaving!






















Many students commented on how much they enjoyed the calm and quiet of weaving. This was the perfect project to take outside and enjoy in our school garden.










Shark Attack Ocean Story I'm glad this artist decided not to trim the edges of his weaving. It adds so much energy and movement- and looks like a jelly fish!








This artist did a beautiful job experimenting with the warp and weft.




12 comments:

Hope Hunter Knight said...

these are beautiful and i love the writing connection. my favorite might be the "curage" of the peacock, but it's a tough call, for sure. well done to your kiddos!

Anna Pietrolungo, Essendon North Primary School said...

Amazing interpretation of weaving. Congratulations to all your artists! Anna:)

Chesterbrook Academy Elementary said...

Beautiful weaving projects.
I like the thinking process that went into these.

I love the connection of the drawings to the actual weaving.

Beautiful colors and textures

Mary Mathey said...

I love the writing connection. Do you have a lesson plan or some kind of tool you used to guide students through the writing process? Did they weave first or write first?

Shannah said...

Thank you all:)

Hello Mary, first I have them think of what story they want to tell and then sketch how that might look in color and pattern (intro & sketch is one class time).

I like for them to weave with intention so they are choosing colors/patterns to match their story but during the long process, stories may evolve or change entirely so we save the writing part for last.

After their weaving is finished and tied off, they work on the reflection piece. One paper is for the drawing of their final weaving (fun to see how it compares to their original idea) and one paper for their podcast script (two classes to draw, write, and make podcasts).

I write for them on the board what to include (name, title, drawing, symbol key), we discuss what a good reflection piece should look like, and they listen to a good example of a podcast reflection (tell story, describe what the colors symbolize, what was challenging, what they most enjoyed about the process).

Hope that helps! Using the linguistic and spatial intelligences together really helps them create a stronger concept.

GlutenFreeMe said...

Hi my name is Louise. i am a high school student in ireland. i seen your amazing weaving crafts and i wasw wondering if i could do a project on you for my junior certificat exmainations? i would need to know just a little mor information about you, nothing to personal. i really hope you agree to this and email me as soon as possible. my email address is cooney.louise@yahoo.co.uk

Blogger said...

Hi,

These are wonderful! Do you have a blog post about how you made the looms?

Thanks!

Shannah said...

Louise, I sent you an email:)
Vanessa, merci!

Hello Bella Casa, I use a premade cardboard loom to save time but you can make them very easily out of any cardboard and just use scissors to cut the notches. Google "cardboard looms" and let me know if you have more questions! Thanks for stopping by:)

Anonymous said...

dear shannah,
beautiful and inspiring
i just can't wait to try this with my children.

all the best
ravit

Shannah said...

Thank you for the kind words Ravit:)
I think you'll enjoy it!

Samm said...

Shannah

I've just come across this via Pinterest and I just wanted to say how much I love this idea. My mission in life (as a community artist) is to "convert" as many people as I can to weaving!!! I'm well on my way!!! I facilitate a number of different art groups and weaving has been a winner with all of them. I love your extension of the weaving activity, turning the process into a storytelling opportunity with intention. I just may incorporate this into some of my activities in the future (if that's ok with you?)
Thank you so much for sharing this. Regards Samm

Shannah said...

Hello and thank you Samm:)
I love your beautiful work as a community artist! Please feel free to use any ideas you see on my blog. I would love to see your take on this!