Lesson # 12 - Paper Weaving
Objective
The student will discuss weaving and woven objects in their environment. TSW
cut a paper loom and create a woven surface with strips of paper.
Focus Elements - line, shape, and color
Focus Principles - repetition, rhythm, and symmetry
Standards
(AP) Artistic Perception - Identify the elements of visual art. (1.1, 1.3)
(CE) Creative Expression - Create original works of art. (2.1, 2.5)
HCC). Historical and Cultural Context - Understand the place of art in history and
Multicultural studies. (3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
(AV) Aesthetic Valuing - Analyze one's own and others' artwork. (44.3, 4.4)
(CRA) Connections, Relations, Applications - Make connections among the art
forms. Integrate art into other curriculum areas. (5.1, 5.4)
Open Court Themes
Sharing Stories
Kindness
Look Again
Fossils
Courage
Our Country and Its People
Concept
Artists from around the world use weaving to make art.
Resources:
ADVENTURES IN ART: pp. 90&91
ART CONNECTIONS: pp. 94&95
ART EXPRESS: pp. 118&119
PORTFOLIOS: pp. 104&105, 114-115
Art example:
Navajo Blanket Eye Dazzler
Vocabulary
weaving
warp
weft
pattern
loom
Materials
 colored paper, 12 x 18", 1 per child
 strips of colored paper, about 1" wide and the same length as the narrow
 edge of the paper, about 10 strips per child
 (optional) small squares of burlap, 2” x 2", magnifying glasses
 glue
 scissors

rulers
Second Grade, lesson #12
DIRECTED LESSON
Get Set
Introduce background information about the Navajo. They are Native Americans
who live in the Southwest United States. They still make blankets the way they
did 150 years ago. They use the wool from their own sheep. Explain to students
that the blankets are woven, and that we will weave paper to experience the
process.
Focus
Show example of Navajo chief blanket. The design uses rhythm and symmetry.
Explain the concept of rhythm by clapping a rhythm and have children clap it.
Define rhythm as a repeated pattern. Explain the concept of symmetry by
referring to the human body. If a line were drawn down the middle, a human
body is the same on both sides.
Develop
1. Distribute materials.
2. Guide children to:
a. Place paper on the desk the tall way and fold it in half.
b. Place the edge of the ruler parallel to the unfolded edges and draw
a guideline the width of the ruler.
c. Make parallel cuts from the folded edge of the paper up to the
guideline, but not across it (use the width of two fingers as a guide
for cutting).
d. Distribute strips for weaving and glue. Have children unfold their
paper looms. Demonstrate how to weave two weft strips. Check to
be sure that they understand that the second strip is woven exactly
opposite from the first.
3. Repeat in an alternating manner with each strip. Encourage creative
variations in colors of strips.
4. OPTIONAL: The warps on the paper looms can be cut in curves and the
loom itself could be cut in a variety of shapes besides a rectangle.
Evaluation
Discuss weavings that have a definite pattern. Call on children to identify the
weft, warp, and loom in their own weaving.
Summary
Many kinds of cloth are made on a loom. The process of making cloth on a loom
is called weaving.
Journal writing prompt
Do you think Navajo blankets would be as beautiful if they didn't have symmetry
and rhythm? Why?
Extensions
 HIST/SOC SCI - Research Navajo history, life, and customs.
 READING - Read Annie And The Old One.
 VA - Make a class chart, or write in art journal, about things that are
symmetrical, such as butterflies, squares and rectangles, cars, etc. Make
a list of things that are not symmetrical.
 WRITING - Introduce the concept of meter in poetry with a simple poem.
Clap the rhythm.
Assessment
(AP) I can identify pattern and symmetry in artwork.
(CE) I can create a woven pattern.
(HCC) I know that the Navajo are Native Americans who are famous for their
weaving.
(CRA) I know that over/under are opposites that describe the structure of
weaving.