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. 

Tree Weavings: 4th Grade

Tree Weavings in Progress

This is the lesson made famous by Mrs. Cassie Stephens!  I usually do a more traditional rectangle 9in x 13in weaving.  However, time seemed in short supply this year.  The tree weaving takes a lot less time & is more forgiving for those students that struggle with hour glassing.  Week one I had students draw & paint a landscape for the background.  Week two they warped their loom & started the first string.  Week three students continued the weaving and began adding beads.  Most students are almost finished after week three.  It will take a partial class to finish the rest.  They've loved it!!  Adding the beads was a new trick for me....but I really like it.  Even if I return to the rectangular weaving...I think I'll keep the beads!!