Today’s handwork post is my favourite because of all the different soft handwork crafts I have tried; I am taken to a childlike place when it comes “Weaving”. It is one of the oldest surviving crafts in the world and traces back to more than 20000 years BC. In the animal world it dates back even further. The spectacular work of a spiders web or a weaver bird’s nest are all a testament to element of artistic work in the development and strengthening of the astral body.
Early man first applied the basic principle of weaving to braid branches and twigs to create fences, shelters for protection and baskets. In fact the earliest fibres that man made were from what was available around him – twigs, leaves, flowers. They created mats, wraps to keep themselves warm, shoes, head coverings and Weaving soon became a mainstay in every household.
Waldorf schools all over the world, teach children to weave. Many schools do simple weaving projects with the Kindergarten kids towards the end of their time in the Kindergarten as a preparedness for grade 1. Since basic writing skills commence only in grade 1 engaging the children in activities that help them improve their motor skills is needed. Something where they use the small muscles in the hands; where they can grasp and pinch, all this goes a long way in preparing them to hold the pencil well in their grip and write those first few alphabets.
They are loads of educational toys and activity classes that promote themselves as very good for ‘developing and enhancing fine motor skills’; but fact of the matter is that we can do the same at home with what we have available in our kitchens and cupboards. Involving them in chopping vegetables, kneading dough for our indian chapattis, and wringing out small pieces of dishcloths, napkins once they are washed …all goes a long way to enhancing motor skills and giving those finger muscles the fine tuning they need.
Weaving helps a great deal to improve grip. It sows the seeds of concentration, and eventually becomes a rhythmical activity for the limbs. The hard work and persistence that a child observes from a spider weaving a web, or a weaver bird building its intricate nest strengthens the astral elements the child’s soul. The kindergarten child lives in his/her will. They are still gentle spiritual beings that can be greatly nourished by what they can imitate from the plant and animal kingdom, and hence weaving has a special place in the life of the 4 to 7 year old child.
We tried our hands at weaving this week, and it was a lot of fun. At age five you can see the elements of concentration setting it. We made our own loom at home with cut out cardboard box bits courtesy a quick diy from Chenoa (@peacewithnaturehandwork). We made up a sweet little verse to go along called “Milly the snake”, and it greatly helped in remembering the steps in a beautiful pictorial way.
Do give it a go and share your work on my Instagram account (magicplay_house).
You can download the verse and instructions to make your own loom here.