In the Classroom 👩🏼🏫
Today, I wanted to talk more in depth about how Rainbow Loom can be applied in the classroom. In my experience working with kids, Rainbow Looms are just as popular now as they were when I was in elementary school. I had a group in my summer camps last year that wanted to do Rainbow Loom all day, every day, for the whole week. We went through so many bands but the kids really enjoyed it and created bracelets, rings, and necklaces for each other and my co-leader and I, which was really sweet.
Centers:
One of the first applications I thought of was for classrooms like Kindergarten or Grade 1 that have centers. Rainbow Loom could be an option for a center with simple pattern cards or books of patterns to follow. Rainbow Loom supplies are fairly affordable to buy in bulk from places like Walmart or the Dollar Store. The supplies could also be offered in older grades as a quiet early finisher activity or something to do when it’s too rainy to go outside for recess. There are numerous printable patterns online that can be laminated and placed with bands in the center! I can definitely see myself using Rainbow Loom as a center if I have a primary class in the future or an early finisher in an older class. The great thing about Rainbow Loom is that students are able to work on their fine motor skills while working with the small bands, and following a pattern is beneficial for thinking and problem-solving if something goes wrong.
Recess Clubs and Young Entrepreneurs:
For kids who really enjoy Rainbow Loom and want to learn more advanced patterns, recess clubs could be started. Kids could make bracelets, charms, and animals using pattern books, online tutorials, or other resources. This could also be expanded into an idea for a Young Entrepreneurs elective. Students could make and sell bracelets and other creations. With Young Entrepreneurs would come learning how to budget, plan out products, create an inviting booth, and more skills.
Art:
The last way I would incorporate using Rainbow Loom into the classroom is as a project in art. Having the students practice following a tutorial and then creating their own bracelets or charms as a class. This could be done around Valentine’s Day or Christmas and have students gift their creations to each other. This would work best if a loom was available for each student, however some simpler bracelets can also be made using pencils or fingers.
This fits into the BC Arts Curriculum through the following competencies:
-Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual, using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation, and purposeful play
-Refine ideas, processes, and technical skills in a variety of art forms
-Experience, document and share creative works in a variety of ways
(https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/arts-education/3/core)