Each school year, we spend time learning and practicing the skill of weaving to help aid in:
Weaving is usually taught as a skill in ECE and primary education. However, weaving can move beyond a skillset. It can become more of an in-depth sensory experience for the tactile and visual senses. If a bit more preparation is made, weaving can also involve the auditory and even the olfactory senses. Weaving materials, such as crinkle fabric and ribbon or ropes with small jingle bells, can make sounds that add to the sensory experience. Cotton soft tubing or fabrics can have scents added to also go along with a theme.
Typically, ribbons are the go-to weaving material. However, I encourage you to move beyond ribbons and get creative with materials, looking for various thicknesses, textures, colors and movement. Some of the materials rotated at our weaving wall include:
Looms of Various Sizes and Materials
Looms can be any size and made from various materials: strings, sticks, cardboard, popsicle sticks, plastic pipe or even metal. Dollar store dish racks or cookie racks are also a sturdy alternative. I also use looms as sensory experiences in our sensory bins and dramatic play themes. Once a year my scholars weave paper placemats, using a paper "loom" and paper strips. No matter the type of loom offered, the developmental benefits of weaving are incredible when its provided as a more in-depth sensory adventure.
How can you make weaving a rich sensory experience in your home or classroom?