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Unit Plan
Other

Humbolt State University: Navaho (Navajo) Weaving

For Students 9th - 10th
The history and style of Navaho weaving (blankets and rugs) is discussed in this richly illustrated, scholarly essay. With information about characteristic patterns used, color emphasis, and other aesthetic qualities.
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Lesson Plan
Other

Multicultural Literature for Children: Abuela's Weave

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
This lesson plan is perfect in an ESL classroom. "Abuela's Weave" is the story of a young girl from Guatemala and the beautiful tapestry she creates. Includes prereading questions, vocabulary, and activities to integrate into other...
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Website
University of California

Shapes and Uses of California Indian Basketry

For Students 9th - 10th
This is an illustrated comprehensive overview of Native American basket types. Discusses different styles and what they are used for.
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Website
Other

Common Threads Unraveling the World of Textiles

For Students 9th - 10th
Through the examination of two textiles from opposite sides of the world you will go in-depth to reveal how fiber arts can tell us more about people in other cultures.
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian American Art Museum: Lia Cook: Textile Painter

For Students 9th - 10th
The artwork of Lia Cook, textile painter is profiled. Cook has a unique way of "weaving paintings" by dying silk cords, painting linen threads, and weaving them together to create figures and motifs.
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Website
Other

Mint Museums: Hands on Crafts

For Students 3rd - 8th
Interactive resource about pottery, weaving, quilting, and basketry. Includes informative texts, videos of children dicussing and/or performing their craft, ability to "make" crafts online, and information about places to go to make...
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Lesson Plan
Other

Dick Blick Art Materials: Paper Weaving [Pdf]

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This lesson plan gives young scholars a chance to try weaving with paper and features illustrated instructions, extension ideas, and objectives.
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Website
Other

Mayan Culture: Maya Weavers

For Students 9th - 10th
Explore the world of Mayan weaving with this colorful site! Provides photos of this ancient art, as well as links to more information on symbols, weaving techniques, materials, and more.
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Activity
Other

Art With Mrs. Filmore: 1st Grade Art Lessons

For Teachers K - 1st
This site offers a variety of art lessons that use various media. Each project includes instructions and pictures of the students' completed artwork.
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Lesson Plan
Marilyn J. Brackney

Imagination Factory: Show Your Colors and Make Freedom Bracelets

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Providing a patriotic-themed art activity,this website shows children how to weave "a bracelet using a simple loom." Included are directions for making simple and more-complex bracelets.
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Lesson Plan
Marilyn J. Brackney

Imagination Factory: Soda Straw Weaving

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Using plastic straws and yarn, young children can weave a bracelet or bookmark. Website includes detailed instruction on how to weave using soda straws and images showing the various steps.
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Graphic
University College London

University College London: Digital Egypt: Basketry

For Students 9th - 10th
Click on materials, techniques, or function to see pictures of basket techniques from ancient Egypt. Very little commentary, but interesting pictures.
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Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Education: Art to Zoo Spinning Yarns, Telling Tales About Textiles

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
A great resource for introducing different types of textiles and weavings to your students. A good amount of background information is included as well as a few simple learning activities.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Education: Textiles

For Students 9th - 10th
A comprehensive site on textiles of the North American Southwest. Includes a gallery, map, catalog, glossary and timeline.
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Graphic
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian: Textiles of the North American Southwest

For Students 9th - 10th
This site explores the weaving traditions of the Native American and Hispanic peoples of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. A gallery of artifacts, timeline, map glossary, and textual descriptions are included. This is a...
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Handout
Other

Alien Travel Guide: History of Weaving

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site from the Alien Travel Guide contains an outline to information on the history of weaving. The outline is in link form for easy navigation and it contains wonderful basic information.
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Website
Other

Artisans in Focus: The Art of Weaving

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Artisans in Focus contains wonderful information on the art of weaving. The site is outlined in link form for easy navigation and it contains information on subjects such as: preparing the yarn, dying the yarn, natural...
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Website
Other

Manalagi Group: Weaving in Indonesia

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Manalagi Inc. contains information on the weaving in Indonesia with focus on the backstrap loom. Pictures are provided and the text is somewhat in-depth, making this a great site to check out on the subject.
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Activity
Other

Abya Yala Net: Otavalo, Ecuador

For Students 9th - 10th
Fascinating and comprehensive look at the indigenous culture of Otavalo, Ecuador. Excellent photographs accompany this cultural treatise that examines the history, industry, and tourism of Otavalo. Additional links access more specific...
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

The Fabric of Moroccan Life

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Click on the map of Morocco to discover the textiles that come from each particular region.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

The Fabric of Moroccan Life Urban Textiles and Costumes

For Students 3rd - 8th
For hundreds of years, Moroccan women have composed fine embroideries and rugs using intricate designs that have been passed down through generations. View these exquisite textiles with large detailed images.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

The Fabric of Moroccan Life Rural Weavings

For Students 9th - 10th
Berber peoples, the indigenous inhabitants of rural Morocco, are known for their spectacular weaving. Shown on this website are 14 different examples.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

The Fabric of Moroccan Life Find the Design

For Students Pre-K - 1st
The designs found in Moroccan weaving and textiles often come from things of everyday life or from basic geometric shapes. Given on this site are seven examples of common designs for you to explore and enjoy.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

The Fabric of Moroccan Life

For Students 9th - 10th
This online exhibit at the National Museum of African Art highlights textiles, embroidery, and jewelry from Morocco. Besides having pictures of 67 artifacts, there is a section on the history of Morocco. The education link allows...