4th Grade Basket Weaving

The fourth graders explored the connection between their social studies focus on colonial times in America and hands-on art-making skills. During a community time, the fourth grade and resource teachers gathered together to help the students weave their very own baskets.

Karolye began with an introduction in which shared a collection of her own beautiful hand-made baskets, demonstrating the range of stylistic choices that go into designing an object. Amanda then introduced the steps that the students used to weave their own baskets, using round wooden bases and soaked reeds of varying thicknesses. 

The students learned how to insert the spokes into the base, using a ruler to make sure that they were positioned correctly. They then folded the spokes under to secure the bottom and began weaving thinner reeds through the spokes using an "AB" or "under over" pattern. The students quickly made the connection to the yarn loom weavings they created last year in art and set to work making their baskets. 

Basket weaving required good patience and problem-solving skills from the students. As they were working they stayed flexible in their thinking and re-worked areas as needed. They were incredibly proud of their finished product and amazed that they had made a 'real' basket. Several students even dreamed up ideas for future baskets and are eager to try basket-weaving as a station during independent work time in the art room!