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Weaving as a Sensory Experience

10/12/2020

 
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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.

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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. 

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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

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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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