Today we did a Polish paper cutting activity. Continuing in our hands-on learning and focusing more on European countries this year, Tiny did a fun Polish paper-cutting activity.
I have an upcoming unit study about Poland that I’m tickled to show you, but first I just have to give you a peek at this fun art project.
Have you ever head of Wycinanki? Yep, me neither which is why we were so excited to try it out.
Appreciating Culture through Art
At first glance you may think it’s easy. I confess we thought the same thing. What could be so hard about cutting paper right?
Wycinanki or polish paper-cutting became popular in the 1800s and peasants used it to decorate their home. They would brighten up their white walls with beautiful colored designs or hang the paper art from the ceiling or beams.
There were a lot of scenes of natures, but they especially liked roosters. But that is not the only pattern, it seems as time goes on, more and more designs are crafted like flowers, stars, medallions and peacocks.
Tiny pieces of paper are cut out and glued together to form an intricate pattern. And the idea is to layer the tiny intricate pieces to form designs and color.
After reading about it, like a lot of places each region has it’s own way of doing it. One region typically stayed in one color while another area explored with multiple colors.
I rounded up some other Polish paper-cutting pictures from an art site to inspire me you.
- Credit: Chicken Wycinanki on DeviantArt
You can see why the Polish people decorate with these beautiful crafts. Not only is the art soothing to do, but it gives the whole place a new look.
We even saw some pictures with the designs done on eggs. What detailed work!
star – gwiazda on DeviantArt
BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT POLAND OR SET IN POLAND
Next, look at some of these books about Poland.
7 Books About Polish History or set in Poland
Use some of these books to bring your love learning about stories set in Poland or about Polish history to life.
In the land of dolls, there is magic.In the land of humans, there is war. Everywhere there is pain.But together there is hope. Karolina is a living doll whose king and queen have been overthrown. But when a strange wind spirits her away from the Land of the Dolls, she finds herself in Kraków, Poland, in the company of the Dollmaker, a man with an unusual power and a marked past.
Germans march into Poland in 1941, the Balickis’ happy family life is shattered. With their parents taken away by Nazis, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are forced to fend for themselves in the dangerous, war-ravaged city of Warsaw.When Edek is captured too, the girls are desperate. Then they meet orphaned street urchin Jan, who carries with him a talisman of a silver sword paperknife that they recognise as having belonged to
their mother..
Marie Curie was one of the most celebrated scientists in history. Before she changed the world with her discoveries in physics and chemistry, Marie was an intelligent girl who studied hard to reach the top of her class in school. She overcame many challenges, including people who told her she couldn't be a scientist because she was a woman. She didn't let anything stop her, and her important research is still helping people today. Explore how Marie Curie went from being a young girl growing up in Poland to a famous, Nobel Prize-winning scientist.
The extraordinary story of Stefania Podgórska, a Polish teenager who chose bravery and humanity by hiding thirteen Jews in her attic during WWII, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sharon Cameron -- now a Reese's Book Club YA Pick!
In this sweeping novel, James A. Michener chronicles eight tumultuous centuries as three Polish families live out their destinies. The Counts Lubonski, the petty nobles Bukowksi, and the peasants Buk are at some times fiercely united, at others tragically divided. With an inspiring tradition of resistance to brutal invaders, from the barbarians to the Nazis, and a heritage of pride that burns through eras of romantic passion and courageous solidarity, their common story reaches a breathtaking culmination in the historic showdown between the uthless Communists and rebellious farmers of the modern age. Like the heroic land that is its subject, Poland teems with vivid events, unforgettable characters, and the unfolding drama of an entire nation.
Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive—and to reunite—We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds. “Love in the face of global adversity? It couldn't be more timely.” —Glamour It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to live normal lives, even as the shadow of war grows closer. The talk around the family Seder table is of new babies and budding romance, not of the increasing hardships threatening Jews in their hometown of Radom, Poland. But soon the horrors overtaking Europe will become inescapable and the Kurcs will be flung to the far corners of the world, each desperately trying to navigate his or her own path to safety.
She is expected to marry, cook, and have children—and instead she’s sneaking off to war. Can she manage to stay alive, save her mother, and keep the handsome son of a duke from discovering her secret? The Warrior Maiden is a reimagining of the classic Mulan tale in medieval Europe.
When Mulan takes her father’s place in battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights, she realizes she has been preparing for this journey her whole life—and that her life, and her mother’s, depends on her success. As the adopted daughter of poor parents, Mulan has little power in the world. If she can’t prove herself on the battlefield, she could face death—or, perhaps worse, marriage to the village butcher.
Disguised as a young man, Mulan meets the German duke’s son, Wolfgang, who is determined to save his people even if it means fighting against his own brother. Wolfgang is exasperated by the new soldier who always seems to be one step away from disaster—or showing him up in embarrassing ways.
I know you’ll love this upcoming unit study about Poland which is geared toward middle school kids and the best way to kick off a unit study is always with a hands-on activity and fun.
Tiny enjoyed doing this rooster and we especially love having the patterns that came with the crate. I think you’re kids will love this project. More to come soon!
If you’re wanting to do a unit study about a European country, grab Switzerland Homeschool Geography Unit Study (and Lapbook) here. And there is no shortage of fun hands-on ideas in our series.
MORE HANDS ON IDEAS
Make a Hair Hygrometer, Day 2:Desert Sand Art, Day 3: Make Zopf (Swiss Style Bread),Day 4: Exploring Edible Cactus (Learning about the Desert),How to Build the Alamo: Day 5 Hands-on Learning (Free Texas Unit Study) and Geoscavenge – A Rock and Mineral Hunt: Day 6 Hands-on Learning, How Does the Power of Ice Shape Mountains? Day 7: Hands-on Learning,How Accurate is a Sand Clock? Day 8: Hands-on Learning, How a Pendulum Clock Measures Time: Day 9 Hands-on Learning Activities and 365 Days Hands-On Homeschool Activities – One for EVERY Day of the Year
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