Students have been weaving textiles in Art class with looms they created from Popsicle sticks. In Spanish Class, they have been studying world cultures. As an extension to these studies, students in grades 1st-6th read:
Abuela’s Weave By Omar S. Castañeda Illustrations by Enrique O. Sanchez.
A wonderful story about the relationship between a little girl (Esperanza) and her grandmother (Abuela). Together they weave traditional Mayan huilpes and textiles that they sell at the local market.
Students learned of the many unique designs and symbols embedded in the textiles, each detail reflects the artisan’s pride in their Mayan Indian heritage. The Quetzal is an important bird to Mayan and Meso American cultures. Students enjoyed seeing the Quetzal motif in both Esperanza’s huipil and in the corner of the tapestry she helped to create. Several students drew their own Quetzals.
Drawing by: Olivia C.
Drawing by: Kyla O.