3rd & 5th Grade Weaving Projects

We are wrapping up weaving in 3rd & 5th grade.  3rd grade is doing circle weaving (one of my favorite projects of the year!).  5th grade is doing a tree weaving (which is a basic back & forth AB pattern, but done on a warp in a wedge shape).   

When finishing circle weavings, I have my students create a pattern/design on the white surface of their loom, and color it using markers that match their yarn colors.  

For the tree weavings, I had my 5th graders add beads for fruit(added as they were weaving..limit 10 beads), and then use tempera paint sticks to do a simple landscape background.  

There are many ways to do these projects.  These are the ways I do them, but there are wonderful variations you might want to investigate to see what is the best fit for your school/students. 

Finished Weavings & Background

I’m thrilled with the circle Weavings my third graders are making! I’ve been doing this lesson for 24 years…it never gets old! I’m as excited as the kids. 

I’ve you’ve not tried this lesson…you can check out my blog(search circle weaving) or my YouTube channel! 

 

Circle Weavings in Progress...

My 3rd graders are a class or two from finishing their circle weavings.  Over all, this has been a pretty good year for circle weaving.  A majority of my students did a great job on their work, and made few errors.  I was a bit concerned.  This year has been a struggle with basic direction following and focus on work (I think connected to the pandemic & online learning prior to this school year.).  

 

Tying Knots For Weaving

In general, students have lost the ability to tie knots.  Even the simple knot that most know from learning to tie their shoes(They don't really tie shoes much any more?!?). I use that one to start the radial/circle weaving.  I will say...this knot I'm about to show you is a bit different(but simple). I want my students to use this knot because it is easy, strong, and cuts down on wasted yarn. I put this video on repeat for my students during the class.  Yesterday...no one asked me how to do it...they just watched the video! Hope it helps you out!!

More Beautiful Circle Weavings!

 I have been so incredibly impressed by my 3rd graders this year!! Their circle weavings have been AMAZING!!!  Here are a handful that finished their backgrounds completely.  There are so many ways that you can "finish" the background/looms for circle weavings.  I like having my students create patterns in the background and color them (using marker) with the colors they used in their weaving.  I do this after they are done weaving...because you never know how big they will be, and I'd hate for students to work extremely hard on the background and then cover it up with the weaving.  This method has "morphed" over the years.  I was first introduced to this project 24 yrs ago when it was a part of the first curriculum we used in Metro Nashville Public Schools.  It has changed for the better over the years, and is one of my favorite lessons.