Help me give my students bead looms so that they can create a personal beaded piece and learn about some traditional art forms from Native American culture.
I get to teach 660 creative, inquisitive K-4th grade students who come to art class with all kinds of wild ideas! We love to build, sculpt, paint, draw, model with clay cut and glue and create! Most of all my kiddos love challenging projects! My students ask lots of questions and are curious about art from all over the world. Our classrooms are filled with students from many different backgrounds and the art room is the perfect place to learn about differences and share our similarities. The more hands on, challenging and active the art projects we do are- the more smiles I see!
My students love exploring art in a hands on, active way.
My kids have a wide range of abilities, cultural backgrounds and problem solving skills. I try to teach them to be kind, responsible artists who gather, set up, use and care for art materials in our art studio. Art has a special place in the school day- especially for students who struggle in other areas of reading and math. Everyone is successful in their own way in art class! My students love to work together, and help each other solve our art challenges.
My Project
I would like to purchase more bead looms in order to give the 3rd and 4th graders the chance to do some hands-on beadwork during art class. We study traditional and contemporary art that was created by Native American artists. Last year, the 3rd graders tried some beading and absolutely loved it! It sparked collaboration as students worked together to create these special beaded pieces. The problem was, we only had enough looms for 1 class at a time to do the project. The project took longer than expected and not every class of 3rd graders got to bead. I would like to purchase more looms so that several classes at a time can create beadwork and all 3rd and 4th graders will have the opportunity to try this important traditional art form.
This project is a valuable experience for students because it includes culture, planning, collaboration and artistic skill.
First students look at some examples of traditional Native American beadwork. Then we discuss how to create a successful design. Students plan their design, select their beads and then work with a partner to dress the loom. In pairs, students help each other complete a beaded piece that matches their plan/pattern. At times students experience trouble- that means they must think like an artist and figure out a creative solution. It also means that they need to help each other. This type of beading is not something that is easily done independently when you're first learning and I've seen such beautiful examples of hard work and collaboration during this project. The kids love making beaded artwork and this is a special opportunity!
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