Arts: Introduction to Weaving; Strip weaving for bookmark inspired ...

Arts: Introduction to Weaving; Strip weaving for
bookmark inspired by Mexican woven belt.
Website: http://www.laser.msu.edu/lesson_plans_viewer.phpid=66
Time: 1-3 class periods
Overview of Lesson: This weaving can be an end product or process in itself or can be
the first in 3 progressively more involved weaving processes. These could be used as one
a year processes, or depending on social studies unties, could be tied into cultures being
studied.
Objective: Students will make a bookmark after looking at woven Mexican belts.
Grade Level: Elementary 2 nd -3 rd (but can be adapted for all ages)
Materials:
Visuals of weaving from many different cultures, Mexican artisans working on belts
Example of Mexican belts, and other woven articles, blankets, rugs, etc
Mexican Music (background music)
Cardboard looms-3”x5” (up to 3”by 13”)
Yard for warp and weft
Scissors, optional needles
Vocabulary: warp, weft, line, shape, texture, color, motif, pattern, weave, weaving,
loom, parallel, fiber, plain weave (tabby), indigenous, Mexico.
Standards/benchmarks:
ART. Content Standard 1 (Performing) Visual Arts. Elementary. 1. Use materials,
techniques, media technology and processes to communicate ideas and experiences.
VA.EL1.3Use visual characteristics and organizational principles of art to communicated
ideas.
VA.ELIII.1 Generalize about the effects of visual structures and functions and reflect up
on these effects in personal work.
VA.EL.IV.1 Know the visual arts have a history and specific relations to various cultures.
VA.EL.IV2 Identify specific works of art as belonging to particular cultures, times, and
places.
VA.EL.V.4 Identify connections between the visual arts and other disciplines in the
curriculum. Science: use of natural resources, Math: patterns, sequencing, Social Studies:
different cultures and influences.
Teaching the World Through Art
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Connections:
Social Studies: cultures and geography of Mexico; Science: use of natural resources;
Math; Patterns, sequences, (optional) Measuring (if student measures and cuts the
notches in the loom)
Teach:
Show examples of a wide variety of types of weavings. Show slides/overheads/photos
and discuss with students the uses of weaving in primitive cultures and in contemporary
society.
Demonstrate:
Demonstrate procedures for making the loom by measuring across the top and bottom,
marking ever centimeter or ½ inch, and notching at those marks, warping the loom,
beginning weaving, changing colors, keeping the weaving an even width, and ending.
Check for Understanding:
Ask for questions; STRESS THAT EACH ROW IS OPPOSITE PATTERN OF OVER
UNDER THAN THE ROW BEFORE!! Walk around to check for correct procedures and
sequencing, Might have students use partners help each other.
Guided and Independent Practice:
NOTE: in 2 nd grade, I have the 3 x 5 small looms already warped to save time.
In 3 rd grade-students will warp their 3 x 13 looms, and start weaving.
Day two(and three); review the goals of weaving even tensions, even width and have
students work the class period. Depending on the length of the project will drive the
number of days spent on this process.
Closure:
Students will pick up around their work are, put scissors, yarn back in designated areas,
and place their looms also in the designated spots for storage.
Assessment:
Did Students:
1. Measure and warp the loom so that yarns were parallel and at an even tension
2. Weave Yarns in an alternating, interlocking pattern (so each row is opposite the
previous row)
3. Keep the edges of the weaving straight and parallel to each other
4. Have no yarn ends of knots visible in finished weaving
5. Use a variety of textures and colors of yarn to make an interesting design
6. Knot warp ends tightly with weaver’s knots
Teaching the World Through Art
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