I teach art integrated with other subjects. As the students learn about the native people of the Southwest they will make a cardboard loom and weave small rugs. They will learn about the natural dye colors available to the native people. They will study symmetry, pattern, and balance in art.
My students live in a rural, agricultural area.
Many live on farms. The population is almost half Hispanic, and some are English learners. They love hands-on projects and learn best with a variety of experiences.
The school is small, but the classes are quite large with an average of 28 students in each class. This is a low income area with about 65% of the students eligible for free lunch. There resources for extra projects is limited.
My Project
I saved cardboard boxes from the pads that were passed out to the middle and high school students in the fall. These boxes are stiff and perfect for creating cardboard looms.
The students will look at images of the rugs made by native Americans of the U.S. Southwest. The will learn about the dyes used by the people and the resulting color combinations. They will then use the twine and yarn to create small rugs. They will study the patterns of rugs and learn about the related art concepts as they each weave a rug.
Your donations will improve the skills and self confidence of these children.
I have learned that a child receives a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when they are able to create something beautiful and well made with their own hands. This increases their self confidence. They also have more interest in learning when they can apply that knowledge to a palpable object they have made themselves.
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