We explored mitten weaving in preschool

Weaving is a great way to build fine motor skills!

When we introduced the concept of mitten weaving to our preschool students, an interesting discussion began to evolve as to who might actually weave their own mittens in real life. One of our students was quite certain that mitten weaving was something that only poor people need to do and the others seemed to agree or have no real opinion at all…

The children, in their own sweet way, were demonstrating their understanding of what is quite true in most homes today. Instead of weaving our own mittens, most of us hop down to the nearest store and buy a pair of mittens when we need them. Leading to the conclusion that if you can’t buy a pair of mittens, then perhaps this is why you would make a pair of mittens. The process of mitten weaving is a historical concept to most preschoolers of today.  Mitten weaving may be something they see shown in movies or pictures as being old fashioned and only taking place in small cabins in the woods…

Deepening their Understanding

So, before exploring the mitten weaving process that was posted up on our direction’s board, it was important for our students to have some perspective on how some mittens are made before they are sold in the stores. It was important to invite our children to share their perspectives and as they did, to help them discover that mitten weaving is a creative process of making something beautiful with your hands that could be enjoyed by anyone who wants to learn how…

Beginning the Process

As the children began our simplified weaving process with cardboard mittens, they soon found out that mitten weaving takes practice and skill. The process of wrapping the yarn around the mitten, keeping the yarn from getting tangled, and choosing different colors of yarn to make the mitten colorful, soft, and fluffy was a challenging process…

 

Each child spent their time exploring the mitten weaving process and went about the process in their own way…

Building Fine Motor Skills

Some of the children found that it was easier to cut short pieces of yarn to wrap around their mittens. Others preferred cutting long lengths of yarn so the weaving process would not have to stop and start over again too quickly…

Enjoying the Process!

Others really put their best effort into making their mittens as colorful and fluffy as possible…

We have been doing lots of different types of weaving in our classroom lately which we will be sure to share but for today, the discussion on weaving and the process of weaving opened the door to new perspectives on the process…

Available on Amazon

Links to Grow On

Weaving Magic from Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning

Doing a Little Weaving from Brick by Brick

Styrofoam Meat Tray Weaving from Play Create Explore

Paper Cup Weaving from Pink and Green Mama

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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