What Are Textiles?
#3 in Art's alive! Series
What’s inside...
This collection of titles explores different art forms and techniques. 'What are Textiles?' discusses materials and methods from various cultures for creating textiles. 'What is Still Life?' examines the subjects and elements like color and line in still life paintings, featuring examples of fine art.
Discussion points
What are some everyday items around our home made from textiles?
Can you think of different ways textiles might be used in various cultures around the world?
Why do you think it's important for people to know about different textiles?
How do you think textiles impact our environment?
What's your favorite textile and why do you like it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to touch different fabric types around your home to relate tactile experiences to the book's contents.
Discuss the importance of recycling textiles and how it benefits the environment, tying into global awareness.
Use the illustrations in the book to help your child identify textiles in a fun and interactive way.
Create a small craft project using scraps of fabric, to make the concept of textiles more tangible and engaging.
After reading, take a 'textile tour' of your home or a local fabric store to see and feel different textiles in person.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the origins and uses of textiles
Explanation: The book educates young readers on how textiles are created from natural and synthetic materials and how they are utilized in everyday items.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and identify the textiles in their clothes, furniture, and other fabrics used at home, fostering a connection between their daily life and the knowledge gained.
Example Lesson: Valuing craftsmanship and labor
Explanation: By illustrating the diverse methods of textile production, the book shows the intricate work involved in creating textiles.
Real-World Application: This can instill respect for the labor of others in a child, encouraging them to value and care for their possessions and understand the effort behind everyday items.
Example Lesson: Exploring creativity in textile art
Explanation: ‘What Are Textiles?’ highlights the artistic possibilities of textiles, showcasing various textile art from different cultures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express themselves creatively by trying their hand at simple textile crafts, enhancing their artistic skills and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Promoting environmental awareness
Explanation: The book discusses the environmental impact of textile production and emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices.
Real-World Application: This lesson urges children to be conscious consumers, choosing sustainable textile options and understanding their environmental footprint.
Example Lesson: Encouraging curiosity and learning
Explanation: Through its engaging content on textiles, the book fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity about how things are made.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore other technical or craft fields, leading to a broader knowledge base and potential interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) areas.