Description of the Unit –

Students will practice simple loom weaving and create one small tapestry.

Activity statement –

In the California Visual Arts Standards, fourth grade students should experience using “fibers…to create a simple weaving,” (2.4, Creative Expression). Further, as students will be working on sewing samplers in fifth grade, they will benefit from this opportunity to develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Finally, while practicing this simple weaving technique on a cardboard loom, students will reinforce their understanding of color and pattern via the design they choose to weave.

Goals –

Students should…

Understand:

• The basic ‘over-under’ technique for loom weaving

Know:

• What the terms ‘warp’ and ‘weft’ mean

Be able to:

• Use colors and patterns creatively as they weave

Weave a simple ‘over-under’ pattern

Objectives –

Students will: create one simple cardboard loom tapestry

Resources and materials –

• An example of a weaving
• Pre-cut cardboard looms
• Multicolored yarn
• Tapestry or weaving needles
• Scissors
• Warp thread
• Dowels for hanging tapestries (optional)

Questions –

• What do the warp threads do?
• What is the weft?
• What you begin a new line, do you go the same way, or do you flip the pattern?
• What kinds of colors would look interesting side by side on your tapestry?
• How can you play with pattern? Describe…

Evaluation – Did students

• Proficiently weave their tapestries?
• Creatively play with color and pattern on their tapestry?

Informal:

• Student questions
• Group discussions
• Oral responses to essential questions
• Elaboration and risk-taking

• 4th grade
• Fiber Art