4th Grade Basket Weaving and Growth Mind-set

The fourth graders have been working diligently to create their very own reed baskets. Following on their experience of creating clay vessels, the fourth graders discussed the various uses of baskets throughout history and in particular, for the Lenni Lenape and colonial settlers of Pennsylvania, relating to their social studies curriculum. The fourth graders learned that baskets were commonly used because they could be created using natural materials and could be made relatively quickly.

The young artists started out by selecting a wooden base and inserting their reed spokes into the holes, carefully folding and tucking them underneath the base to hold them in place. They then began using longer pieces of reed that were soaked in water to make them more flexible, weaving them carefully using an "under-over" pattern. This project builds on previous weaving experiences in art class from earlier grades.

 

This type of structured, "step-by-step" project offers students a new experience in art class and is one of the many types of instruction that occur in art. Students who are more comfortable completing open-ended projects are stretched in their learning by considering a different approach to art-making. Some students who are more oriented to detailed, meticulous work found that they were able to quickly engage with basket making and found success with this type of work, when open-ended projects might be more challenging for them.

We had several discussions about growth mind-set and keeping an open and flexible attitude when learning a new skill. Many students were challenged by the precision and exactitude demanded by this type of work, but were amazed to see their skill-sets-- and their baskets-- grow throughout the course of the project. Art-making is yet another lens through which students are able to reflect on and grow their learning mind-sets.