Weaving as a Sensory Experience

10/12/2020

Each school year, we spend time learning and practicing the skill of weaving to help aid in:

fine-motor strengthening
visual perception and tracking
crossing the midline
eye-hand coordination
patterns
left to right and right to left
use of both the dominant and non-dominant hands together
physical experience of spacial concepts (in, out, back, front, up, down)
lengthening attention spans
crucial executive functions

This year, I decided to construct and install a permanent weaving wall in our sensory center. The solid wood loom measures 40 inches in height, by 44 inches in length, and provides 12 loom rails. Weaving materials are regularly swapped out, offering various textures, colors, thickness and movement.

Sensory Play

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.

Beyond Ribbons

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:

strips of fleece material
big blanket yarn
faux fur material strips or ribbon
feather boas
jute rope
sweater knit strips or sweater knit ribbon
soft cotton rope
"flippy" sequin strips or ribbons
tulle
flannel material strips
strips of cotton material
play silks
bandanas
satin material
knit fabric strips
bobble ribbing
crinkle material strips
yarn
nylons
rick-rack
lace
mesh tubing
woven jute ribbon
parachute cord
felt strips
long strings of beads
strips of cheesecloth
strings
and of course, holiday and themed ribbons

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?

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