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  • Introduction

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    • Creating improvised looms is an excellent opportunity for children to learn about textile art, develop fine motor skills, and enhance their creativity. By using simple materials such as chairs, cardboard boxes, and other everyday objects, we can make functional looms and weave beautiful pieces.

  • Lesson Description

    • In this lesson, children will learn how to construct improvised looms using simple and everyday materials such as chairs, cardboard boxes, and paper plates. Through fun and creative activities, they will explore the art of weaving, enhance their fine motor skills, and develop their imagination. The lesson combines hands-on learning with enjoyment, providing children with a comprehensive educational experience.

  • Lesson Objectives

      • Understanding the basic principles of weaving.
      • Developing fine motor skills.
      • Enhancing creativity and imagination.
      • Promoting collaboration and teamwork.
      • Introducing the concept of reusing everyday materials.

  • Activity 1: Improvised Loom with Chairs

    • Materials:
      • School or non-school chair
      • Yarn
      • Scissors

    • Instructions
      1. Chair Placement:
        Turn the chair upside down and place it with the legs facing upward.
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      2. Setting Up the Yarn:
        Tie the yarn to the legs of the chair and start wrapping it around, creating parallel lines of yarn. These lines will form the warp of the loom (as shown in the pictures).
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      3. Securing the Yarn:
        Secure the yarn to each leg by tying it tightly to prevent it from moving.
      4. Weaving Process:
        Using another color of yarn, begin weaving by passing the yarn over and under the warp threads, creating the fabric (weft).

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  • Activity 2: Improvised Loom with Cardboard Box

    • Materials:
      • Medium-sized cardboard box
      • Scissors
      • Twine or string
      • Yarn
    • Instructions:

      1. Preparation of Cardboard:
        Cut the top part off the cardboard box to create an open rectangular frame.

      2. Creating Warp Threads:
        Make small slits on the top and bottom edges of the cardboard box, evenly spaced apart.

      3. Placing the Twine:
        Thread the twine through the slits, creating parallel lines of twine along the length of the cardboard box. Secure the twine by tying it at the beginning and end of the frame.

      4. Weaving Process:
        Using another color of yarn, begin weaving by passing the yarn over and under the warp threads (twine), creating the fabric (weft).


  • Activity 3: Improvised Loom with Cardboard

    • Instructions:

      1. Preparation of Cardboard:
        Cut a square of 15cm x 15cm from thick cardboard. Use a pencil and ruler to mark one-centimeter gaps on two opposite sides of the cardboard square. Cut small slits at the marked points.
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      2. Creating Warp Threads:
        Choose a yarn and thread it through the first slit along the bottom edge.
        Pull the yarn across to the opposite slit along the top edge of the cardboard and pass it through that slit. Bring the yarn back down through the next slit along the bottom edge. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard, guiding it through the slits to keep the yarn taut and straight.
        Continue wrapping the yarn around the cardboard loom until all slits are filled. Place two wide craft sticks between the yarn and the cardboard. Push one stick towards each closed end.
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      3. Weaving Process:
        Using another color of yarn, begin weaving by passing the yarn over and under the warp threads (yarn wrapped around the cardboard).
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        Source : Weaving Ideas for Kids: Yarn Weaving on a Cardboard Loom


  • Activity 4: Improvised Loom with Plastic or Paper Plate

    • Materials:
      • Plastic or paper plate
      • Yarn or thread (in various colors)
      • Scissors
      • Ruler
      • Pencil
    • Instructions:

      1. Selecting the Plate:
        Choose a flat plastic or paper plate.

      2. Marking and Cutting:
        Use a pencil and ruler to mark points around the rim of the plate at equal distances. Typically, 8-12 points are sufficient, depending on the size of the plate.
        Make small slits at the marked points using scissors. Ensure the slits are deep enough to hold the yarn securely.

      3. Creating the Warp Threads:
        Select a yarn for the warp threads (vertical threads on the loom).
        Thread the yarn through the slits, starting from one and continuing across, creating a "star" pattern with the yarn passing through the center of the plate.
        Tie the ends of the yarn behind the plate to secure them in place.
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      4. Weaving:
        Choose yarn for weaving. Start by passing the yarn over and under the warp threads (threads through the slits). Each time you reach the edge, turn and continue weaving in the opposite direction, maintaining the same pattern (over-under).
        When changing colors, tie the end of the yarn to a new yarn and continue weaving.
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      5. Completion:

        Once you reach the desired size or cover most of the plate, stop weaving.
        Tie the final end of the yarn to one of the warp threads to secure it.

      6. Removal from the Plate:

        Carefully remove the warp threads from the slits of the plate.
        Tie the ends of the yarn to secure the fabric.



  • Activity Suggestions

    • Preparation of Materials

      Create a list of suggested materials that children can bring from home. This can include yarn, ribbons, old clothes for fabric recycling, etc.

      Group Activities

      Construct a large loom as a group and weave a common project together. This promotes collaboration and teamwork.

      Exhibitions and Presentations

      Organize a small exhibition at the end of the lesson where children can present their works to their classmates and parents.

      Creativity Contest

      Hold a contest where children are awarded for the most creative or best-made creation. This will encourage children to try harder and showcase their individuality.

  • Educational Benefits

      • Enhancement of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
      • Development of creativity and aesthetic perception.
      • Introduction to basic principles of geometry and textile techniques.
      • Cultivation of patience and perseverance.
      • Fostering an artistic way of thinking and viewing the world.
      • Development of critical (aesthetic and otherwise) thinking.

  • Conclusions

    • Creating improvised looms not only offers children a creative outlet but also enhances important skills such as concentration, patience, and fine motor abilities. By constructing looms from everyday materials, children learn the value of reuse and resourcefulness. Through these activities, they develop an understanding of traditional arts and boost their confidence as they see their creations take shape. This experience combines learning with fun, promoting imagination and a love for craftsmanship.