The Cay

Weaving Activity

Activity: Weaving Mats Inspired by The Cay

Objective:

Students will learn about the character Timothy's skill in weaving mats from The Cay by Theodore Taylor. They will create their own woven pot holders using simple materials, gaining a hands-on understanding of the story.

Literature Connection: Read a passage from The Cay where Timothy teaches Phillip to weave, and discuss the significance of this skill in the story.

Materials Needed:

• Disposable plastic plates (one per student)

• Scissors

• Yarn in various colors

• Tape (optional, to secure the yarn)

Preparation:

1. Create the Loom:

   • Give each student a disposable plastic plate.

   • Have students cut notches around the edge of the plate, approximately 1 inch apart. These notches will hold the yarn in place.

2. Set Up the Yarn:

   • Instruct students to choose a piece of yarn and tape one end to the back of the plate.

3. Guide them to stretch the yarn across the plate, securing it in the notches to create a warp (the vertical threads in weaving). Continue until the plate is covered with evenly spaced yarn strands.

Activity Steps:

1. Introduction

   Discuss the character Timothy from The Cay and his skill in weaving mats. Explain that students will be trying their hand at weaving, just like Timothy taught Phillip.

2. Weaving the Pot Holders

   Demonstrate how to weave by threading a piece of yarn over and under the warp threads on the plate. Encourage students to choose different colors of yarn to create patterns. As students weave, remind them to push the yarn down to keep the weave tight and even.

3. Finishing the Project

   Once the weaving reaches the desired size, show students how to tie off the ends of the yarn to secure their work. Carefully remove the woven piece from the plate.

4. Discussion and Reflection

   Have students share their finished pot holders with the class. Discuss how this activity helped them understand what Phillip might have experienced when learning to weave from Timothy.