Weaving for Kids

I was looking for ways to improve AM hand writing skills. His handwriting, though readable, they are a bit sloppy and messy. While helping him understands the correct way to hold the pencil while writing, I  felt that he needed lots of practice in improving his fine motor skills. 

There are so many activities out there and you can tailor them according to your kids interests and ages. Younger kids might find paper cutting, sponge squishing or playing with play dough much much more appealing than any other activities. And fret not, there are also other activities which are geared more towards older children/teenagers like this. Although AM is seven this year, he is pretty much OK with any activities. So while I am at it, I figured out I might as well include AZ as she can benefit a lot from this too.

As I was reading more into the subject, I came across weaving. Remember when we used to do anyaman (weaving) when we were in primary school back then? I think I was in Standard One and I remembered my art teacher showing us the different anyaman used in making mats. So why don't we revisit that?

This is the most basic paper weaving. The kids were asked to make their own lines. Since it was their first time making them, they are allowed to make thick lines as they are a bit easier to be cut. The process might look easy but you don't have to go all perfect and gang ho about the kids drawing the lines evenly or cutting them neatly. Cut the kids some slacks and give a lot of positive reinforcements.

 They can practice their scissor cutting skill at the same time.

You need to weave it horizontally across the slits, going over and under them.

Weave more pre-cut paper slits in alternating patterns.

Weaving alone, helps them develop and practice a lot of skills. It helps them with their hand and eye coordination while strengthening their pincer grip which will come in a lot handy as your child starts to write. It is very therapeutic for the kids and you will be amazed at the level of concentration while they are performing the task. 

Once they were done with one, they can't seem to get enough. We started raiding the house looking for more things to weave. This is when the kids become more confident and creative. We found a basket and decided to weave around it with colourful embroidery threads that I owned. 

The kids decided that they want to weave the basket together, taking turns after every row. It took them two days to finish it, taking breaks whenever they felt like it. Notice that the slots are smaller and bigger in number compared to their first weaving project. 

More weaving projects in the future, I hope!