Students studied the traditional coil baskets that the Native Americans in the Southwestern United States have made. They then drew a sketch of how they wanted their basket to look. They used basket core (which looks like rope) and yarn to complete their entire basket. Students learned how to stitch the rows to keep the basket together and give it structure.
Starting the Base of the Basket
How long did this take to make? I am a special education teacher. Do you think I could do this with my class too? What kind of yarn is best to use?
ReplyDeleteWow, these turned out neat.
ReplyDeleteMy mom is a special education teacher too. I have tried this lesson with 7th grade, and with 5th grade students. In my opinion it works better with the 7th grade students. They understood the process and the steps better and faster, and they were able to make larger and more complex baskets.
ReplyDeleteYou could try something like this with your special education students, but I think that it might be too hard. The students have to thread a neddle and tie knots a lot. The entire basket is also constructed by wrapping the yarn tight around core (like rope) and stitching. Learning how to stitch correctly takes my 5th graders about 4-5 days to usually understand how to do it correctly.
Regular knitting yarn works best. Don't buy yarn that is too thin (it takes longer to cover the core), too thick (you can't thread a large needle with it), or has elastic in it.
I would be interested to see how students in your special education class would enjoy the project. Most students love it, even though it can be frustrating at first!