Serape Fiesta

Preparation for this lesson is nice and easy with the only requirements being coloured pencils and regular A4 paper. These colourful designs inspired by Mexican serapes were created by a composite year 2 and 3 class. Each pattern begins from a line of symmetry in the centre. To read more about serapes pop over to my previous year 5 and 6 post.

Speedy Serapes!?

I asked this 5/6 composite class to create their own serape design during their fast finishing time. And while most children found time to begin their Mexican inspired patterns, only the three above actually finished while I was there! So if you're a teacher looking to occupy some Speedy Gonzales in your classroom these could come in handy...

A serape is a brightly coloured blanket-like shawl/poncho traditionally worn by Mexican men (having never set foot in Mexico myself, please feel free to correct me here). We looked at several online pictures such as the ones below as well as an actual one that I own – it was a gift from my mum when I finished high school : )

We recognised the repetition, close lines, bright colours, use of triangles and diamonds as well as symmetry. The students worked in coloured pencils or textas and as already mentioned, they found them to be deceptively time consuming. However I think a number of children find this kind of simple but repetitive process to be quite relaxing and even cathartic.