Monograms with 4th Grade

Here’s a project we’ve been working on for the past few weeks. I try to do this project every year with my 4th graders. Most of them really enjoy it, even the boys!

We design our initials on a piece of paper, outline with sharpie and transfer to a piece of burlap by tracing our letters. They add more designs as they finishing stitching their initials. I use the phrase “don’t bite off more than you can chew” a lot with this project.

 

The weather was so nice when we were in the middle of the project, that I took one class outside to work on these. Let’s just say that only happened once.

I demonstrate how to straight stitch the letters, then I show them how to fill in their letters and designs with satin stitch. Finally, I show them how to cross stitch and tie french knots.

I see my 4th graders at the end of the day…which is not the best scenario for kids who don’t have recess anymore. So, let’s just say I’ve had to relax my teaching style for this grade level. I have to pick my battles. At the end of the day, if they’ve made something, I’m happy.

3rd Grade’s Weaving on CDs

 

This may be my 3rd year teaching this…and each year we make it a little bit better each time. (I think so anyways..) Here are some photos of works in progress. We are definitely displaying these for our Pop Art and Structures themed art show February 20…

Monograms with 4th Grade

I usually love this project. Some classes are making it really great...and others well...lets just say it's the end of the year. 

We spend the first day of this project designing our initials. The next day, we transfer the design to the burlap and learn how to thread an embroidery needle and tie double knots. (A single knot usually pulls through the burlap...)

Day Three: Start straight stitching. I get them to do a pattern similar to weaving...they count over 3 squares on the burlap and they stitch under one 'line' of the burlap. It makes their stitches look consistent and it's easier then stitching up and down. 

The goal is to get all letters outlined first, then they can start experimenting with different stitches. I teach them satin stitch, french knots and cross stitch once they all get the hang of straight stitch. 

Usually the kids pick it up quick and enjoy working on these. It is a good thing to work on during TCAP...keeps them pretty calm. 

Weaving Unit

We began this during our 2nd 9 weeks for the Weaving requirement in the curriculum. I haven't really tried the fabric strips with 2nd grade yet...I've always started them on yarn...which helps me out 2 years later when they create an  embroidered monogram...this experience with threading needles and tying knots is so valuable!

Anyway, they created these on cardboard looms using yarn and plastic needles. We took about 4-5 class periods to complete these. I found a large loom in the art closet and decided it would be awesome to have a collaborative weaving they could work on for our art show. Can't wait till the big one gets finished!

Weaving on a CD Loom with 3rd Grade

So far, I'm loving this idea from pinterest! It's taken awhile to get everything ready and explained, but I think everyone is getting the hang of it and the cds are looking awesome!

2nd Grade Yarn Weavings

Here is the beginning of our weaving on a loom project. So far, so good!

Here's our star weaver! He did all this in one class...

Ella weaving with a cast!

3rd Grade Art Club: Yarn Creations

So, my Friday group of 3rd graders is small..er, so we have been doing some experimental projects. Here is a 'yarn drawing' collaged into a painted environment. The lesson needs some tweaking, but I think they are turning out well!

Jonathan's Rocket Crayon flying through space

Luis's hand...reminds me of the Inside Out Boy

Valentine's Day!

Space Crab! We seem to have a theme...

Christeena's cute duck!