Copper Creek Elementary Students Weaving New Skills, Talents

EMS ISD elementary school students study a plethora of fine arts topics, but weaving taught by Julie Staley at Copper Creek Elementary School might just be one of the most unique opportunities students have to explore their talents.   And, not only do students in her class love learning to weave, many have made it a preferred hobby.   

“Essentially, it’s a fun and accessible way to foster critical thinking and self-expression through a hands-on process,” Staley said. “Our students are very proud of their weavings as well as the other fiber art projects that they’ve created.”  

Weaving has been part of Staley’s curriculum since the school opened in 2020. It promotes multiple developmental skills, including fine motor coordination, problem-solving, creativity, patience, and concentration, all while engaging them in a tactile and visually appealing activity that can also teach about patterns, color theory, and textures. Staley said weaving allows for a creative outlet where students can express themselves while also providing a sense of accomplishment as they see their project develop.  Her students learn that art is not limited to drawing and painting; they also are able to experience fiber arts through weaving, crocheting, needle felting and sewing.   

“Many of my students that don’t excel in the more common art mediums thrive in the fiber art space,” she said, adding that parents are consistently impressed with the level of skill and artistry that is required to create weavings and other fiber art projects. “Many of my students carry these skills into adulthood.”  

Carly Hardy, the district’s director of fine arts, said that students at the elementary level in EMS ISD get to experience a wide range of fine arts including sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, collage, textile art, and mixed media. She added that in addition to nurturing their creative talents, this also benefits students in their overall academic growth.    

“The academic benefits of fine arts are clear, from enhanced creativity and critical thinking to improved focus and engagement,” Hardy said. “But it’s equally important to recognize the value of art for art’s sake – allowing students the freedom to express themselves, explore new ideas, and experience the joy of creativity in every phase of their lives.”