Fourth Grade Clay Looms

    In Fourth Grade we discussed a type of art called functional art.  Students had the ability to learn about looms and different styles of weaving that artists use around the world.  We looked at different types of weaving like carpets, tapestries and clothing items.

  Once we discussed the process that goes into weaving, the students had the opportunity to create their own loom for weaving.  We used clay and rolled a slab, then cut out an organic shape both outside and inside.  Students then used various tools to poke holes through the clay for the yarn, then texture and decorations. 

  We used oil pastels and tempera paint to color in our looms, so we didn't accidentally glaze holes closed.  Students had a wonderful time coloring in their looms.  Students picked out the yarn colors to use and then began their weaving.

    Here are some of the results:

First Grade Weaving House

In First Grade, our first project had us looking at the art of weaving.  We talked about the patterns of motions that happen when any type of weaving is created.  We used colored construction paper to create our weaving artwork. 

After we finished our weaving, the First Graders discussed what the outside of many different types of homes look like.  The weaving was glued onto a paper and a roof was drawn to create the house.  Then, students drew their selected home details on another sheet of paper and glued them onto their artwork when finished.  When complete, the students were asked to Title their artworks.  It was fun to see the creative names they came up with for their artwork!