This week, at least 3 girls
approached me to share their latest woven-wares: self-create, handmade
adornments: bracelets, necklaces, and
Barbie-sized scarves. You can imagine that
I was delighted to see their work, as well as the canvas bag full of yarn that
they carried to be able to continue working on their craft during recess. One
student took the time to show me how to crochet by looping yarn around my
finger, a technique that I shall have to practice in order to master.
The appearance at school of
students weaving and crocheting coincided with my return from Guatemala, where I had been to meet with the other
Elementary Principals of the Central American region, and so I was likely the
most enthusiastic observer of the girls’ recent exploration into weaving,
having renewed my appreciation for the amazing hand-woven textiles of
Guatemala.
The Embera–Wounaan tribes of Panama also have an
important tradition of basket weaving, making incredible baskets from a variety
of naturally dyed palm fibers. In past
years, Embera-Wounaan women have come to
Balboa to share their expertise in
basket-making with students. Along with the joy in watching students work
alongside these talented craftswomen to create something of their own, I have
always been taken aback by the hush
that transcends a room of weavers. I
don’t know how or why, nor do I have any scientific data to back my point, but
I do believe that weaving calms people, even small people or children. And when we are calm, we think more clearly,
notice details, listen, and tend to be able to open our minds to new
information and ideas. Calm students are prepared for learning. More Weaving!
This week
many students came to our PTSO Art
Night to weave with recycled materials. Our
parent and local artist, Donna Conlon, along with other volunteers, introduced
students and parents to some ideas for weaving with can flip-tabs. This was a great chance for children to see
friends and learn a new craft, just like I did with the finger weave!
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