Colonial Folk Art Trunk

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the Colonial Era through various literature and art projects. Provided is a school loom for students to weave like the colonists, clay to create pots and a variety of quilting projects.

Objective: Explore Colonial folk art.

Social Science Standard:
Describe the political, religious, social, and economic institutions during the colonial era.

Activities and Materials:

I. Learning About the Colonial Era:

Activity #1: Read aloud If You Could Live in Colonial Times and use the book, Colonial Living, for reference purposes.

II. Colonial Art Projects:

Activities: Colonial Kids and Colonial Days offer varies class projects to use in your classroom.

III. Quilt:

Book: Quiltinq Then and Now

Activities: Refer to the book, Quilting Activities across the Curriculum for various projects to use in your classroom.

IV. Pottery:

Materials: Clay and Pottery Fragments

Activity #1: Refer to the lesson called "How is Pottery Made?" Use the clay provided and have the students make a pinch pot or coil pot. Refer to instructions on how to make these pots in the book, Ceramic Class Hand-Building Techniques, (pinch) pages 14-15 and (coil); pages 20-21.
*Please note that this clay is kid safe. It is also self-hardening and can be painted. The clay is very messy so prepare workspace and have water to wash hands.

V. Weaving:

Materials: School Loom and yarn

Activity #1: Follow the directions provided for the School Loom and have all students work on the weaving.