Today we made looms out of paper that we can each take home to practice weaving. We have been working with wool and reading about the process of turning raw wool into fabric for a few weeks, and this project allowed us to both create our own tool and practice a new skill. We made our looms by folding sheets of watercolor paper in half and then cutting upward from the folded edge, stopping about an inch before the end of the paper. This creates the warp, strips that we could weave construction paper pieces in and out of (the weft). Beyond the creation of the loom, weaving itself is a complex skill that requires patience and persistence. Here are some learning outcomes weaving helps develop:

Art

• The child learned about the concept of weaving, including the warp and weft.
• They practiced fine motor skills by cutting and weaving construction paper pieces.
• They explored creativity and design through the creation of their woven artwork.
• They gained an understanding of the process of turning raw wool into fabric, connecting the activity to their previous learning.

Continued development related to this activity could include exploring different materials for weaving, such as yarn or fabric scraps, and experimenting with different patterns and textures. Encouraging the child to create their own designs and patterns for weaving can further enhance their creativity and artistic skills.

Book Recommendations

• Weaving the Rainbow by George Ella Lyon: A story about a young girl learning the art of weaving from her grandmother.
• Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett: A heartwarming tale of a girl who finds a never-ending box of yarn and starts knitting colorful sweaters for everyone around her.
• The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows: Iggy's artistic talents shine as he explores different art forms, including weaving.