Working in small groups, students started with 50 dots on a page, then connected them with lines. Once the space was divided up into shapes, students filled in the spaces with patterns. After all the spaces were colored in, papers were cut into long strips and groups worked together to weave pieces together.
Next, we had a discussion on mindset and positive thinking. I shared a phrase that I learned from my 10th grade health teacher - "fake it til you make it" - the idea that a person can change their behavior by thinking a certain way. If you think or hear something over and over, you believe it. We also talked about all the negative things a person hears in a day - it can be exhausting!
We collected a list of words that were positive and encouraging and added them to the weavings. Now that the weavings are completed, they are hanging in the hall on the way into the art room. Hopefully, as students walk into class, this can act as a reminder to think positive!
I am creative... I am generous... I am respectful... I am brave... I am persistent...