I spent two very enjoyable days recently at Parsonage Farm Nursery and Infants School, working with the children and staff from Year 2. They have been studying The Great Fire of London. As with all infant schools, the staff have used this topic to encompass a broad spectrum of work, and included in this was some time for each year 2 child to weave a piece inspired by the great fire.
The weaving was done on these mini looms. They are proper looms with a ridged heddle, which is the mechanism that moves the warp threads up and down, which is what makes a loom easy to weave on.
Each child started from a prepared warp. They received very basic instruction on how to weave with the loom. being young and bright this was something that they picked up quickly and without fear or trepidation, which some adults feel when faced with something new and different.
The wonderful staff and helpers had collected coloured plastic bags which had been cut into strips and also ribbons in appropriate fiery colours. I took along some yarns to add to what was available to use. Each child had a free choice in what was used in their weave, so each piece turned out differently.
It is always a joy working with young children. They are naturally curious and inventive. Weaving works with children of all abilities. Some needed a bit more help then others but with this school each child was able to produce exciting work and to enjoy the creation. They all enjoyed their weaving and I hope that I will be able to visit them again.
