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7 - 10 days - Communal weaving (includes individual wooden frame weaving) - Juniors.

This option is a compressed version of the kind of project done under Option J. In advance of the project a theme or subject for the communal tapestry is discussed with the school. Teachers are asked to do some research work with the children which may include drawing, photography, extracts from books, etc.

Wooden frame weaving (see Option D) is done with one class during one or two days at the start of the project. A design for the communal weaving is developed by the children with the artist. The design is based on the information provided by the children. The design developed will be practical for the children to weave and every aspect of it will be discussed with the children and teachers with appropriate changes being made where necessary.

A scaffolding frame will be set up and prepared in a suitable location within the school. With the experience gained from the wooden frame weaving, small groups of children (3 - 5) will work on the communal weaving under the guidance of the artist. In this way the the tapestry will be made with a maximum input from the children and minimum disruption to the rest of the class/school.

Work on the tapestry can take place over a relatively short period of time - anything from two - 9 weeks depending on time available. The amount of time required for the project (6 - 9 days) will depend on the size and design of the tapestry to be made.

Art and design in IT may be included in this project. If it is specifically required, more time needs to be scheduled for it. Internet work may also be included - this too will take more time which must be scheduled in and costed.

Outcomes for assessment and planning

The children will :-

See and discuss a contemporary artist's work.
Discover the relevance of weaving in our lives today and in the past.
Learn about the structures of yarn and weaving.
Develop language - common words, technical terms and creative use.
Investigate the properties of different materials.
Learn about symbols and how one thing can be used to represent another.
Experience using their hands and fingers in different ways by using a range of equipment and tools.
Develop spacial awareness.
Develop their observation skills.
Use mathematics as a part of the process of work (measuring, counting, addition, division, shape/balance, symmetry).
Criticise and assess their own work and that of others.
Develop their understanding of the design concept.
Experience working as a team.

and where the computer is used, children will also :-

Discover how some of the programme tools work and how to use them efficiently.
Learn which tools are best for the job in hand.
Create different effects with standard tools and some options.
Gain better control of the mouse.
Learn to construct a design/drawing logically.
Learn about pixels.