Mrs. Wike’s Classroom Edit display name

About my class

Weaving is a cross discipline study encompassing design, color theory, and personal expression. Weaving provides the opportunity for students to experience complex pattern making, while strengthening math skills through pattern identification. Students demonstrate mastery of counting counting and learn how to synthesize complex patterns through the interpretation of directions. Weaving “combines visual perceptual, problem solving/cognitive skills, finger dexterity, bilateral skills, hand strengthening, frustration tolerance and hand coordination.” The practice of textile creation fosters a more positive learning environment for my students, providing an opportunity for students to collaborate on projects, share techniques, and experiment with personal artistic expression. The study historical and cultural weaving styles, helps students relate to the works of master weavers from a variety of cultures. This helps to develop greater depth and meaning in their own woven creations. Weaving in the curriculum advances a student's ability to further their own artistic development and extends their foundation of understanding in the visual arts. Through the support of Donors Choose, we hope to acquire 15 Beak Weaving frames. This hard wood loom is designed for the novice weaver, is easily assembled and each frame comes with a set of beams featuring strong plastic teeth, and all the tools needed to weave a 14" wide X 18" long project, two dowel supports, and a shuttle, pickup stick, and weaving needle. These frames will enable my students to generate a variety projects ranging from the production of more complex pictorial tapestries, Kente cloth-weaving and its inherent symbolism, as well as to experiment will simple pain weave to produce bags and abstract wall hangings. With the addition of weaving looms to the art room, my students go beyond seeing existing examples of woven goods, and can experience the practice and problem solving that is integral to the weaving process.