This lesson plan introduces 9th grade students to the traditional art of talisman rag doll making by the Old Believers in Estonia. Over the course of two lessons, students will learn about the history, symbolism, techniques, materials, and processes used by the Old Believers to create talisman rag dolls. They will analyze the cultural and symbolic value of these dolls, and then create their own talisman rag doll by shaping wool, adding fabric, and decorative elements. Presentations on related Estonian and Old Believer traditions will allow students to share what they learned. The lesson aims to develop students' cultural identity and understanding of traditional crafts and ceremonies.

1. Lesson plan
Subject: Craft
Lesson Topic: Introduction to traditional talisman rag dolls made by the Old Believers in
Estonia
Lesson Title: The traditional Old Believers art of talisman rag dolls making
Grade Level: 9th
Designed by: Victoria Eurich
Date: 17.10.2019
Lesson
Overview
What is
the
purpose
of the
lesson?
Description of the lesson(s)
This This lesson introduces traditional Old Believers art of talisman rag dolls
making according to slavic and Russian traditions in textile crafts kept
by the Old Believers in Estonia. It discusses the history, symbolism,
tools, techniques, materials and processes.
Learning outcomes:
- to structure, generalise and expand Ss’ knowledge about traditions to
make talisman rag dolls both in Russian and Estonia by the Old believers;
- to develop cultural identity through local knowledge of the unique
religious group living in Estonia;
- to develop an awareness of traditional ceremonies and symbolism;
- to develop Ss’s understanding of using talisman rag dolls in traditional
ceremonies;
- to study the textile/materials used in the process of creating talisman
rag dolls;
- to design own talisman rag dolls.
Materials:
Natural materials: cotton, wool and other organic materials.
Technical Requirements
In class: a computer;
At home: a computer or tablet or mobile phone with internet access
Ratio of face-to-face and online work:
50-50
Time Required
2 lessons at least (45 + 45 min)

2. At the end of the course, the student will:
Understand
The significance and symbolism applied by the Old Believers when
creating talisman rag dolls.
Cultural aspects of different cultures implied into craft
Know
Techniques and a process of creating a talisman rag doll.
The Old Believers history, traditions, craft in comparison with
Estonian handycraft.
Do
Analyse the cultural and symbolic value of talisman rag dolls.
Create and design own talisman rag doll
Flexible
learning
Identify
lesson
delivery
& types
LESSON PROCEDURE AND SEQUENCE - ACTIVITIES AND TASKS
TO ENGAGE STUDENTS
School whole
class Teacher led
instruction/face to
face
Types of activities and Tasks /
Resources Needed
1. Lead-in
T tells the Ss the history of the
Old Believers in Estonia in brief,
focusing on talismans used and
made in the past. T speaks about
the techniques used to make a
talisman rag doll. T shows a
presentation.
2. Presentation
The Ss study a ready-made
talisman rag doll as an example.
They learn about the materials
Time
25 min
20 min

3. of
activities:
used and symbolic meaning
when designing such a doll
(home protection). T uses a
presentation.
3. Practice
Fisrt, Ss create a body of a doll
by shaping wool and covering it
with the cotton.
Second, Ss design a costume for
the doll – a corded double-
layered skirt.
Then Ss decorate the doll by
creating a head scarf using
fabrics with traditional patterns
and colours.
15 min
15 min
15 min
Home Online
Work & Digital
Content
Power Point presentations
(PechaKucha format):
Using websites and other
resources available on the
Internet, find information about
Estonian traditions of creating
talismans, doll in particular.
Compare your findings with the
traditions of the Old Believers in
Estonia and be ready to share
your finding in the open-class
discussion.
45 min
Collaborative
activities
Small Group /
pair/ 1:1/
homogenous,
heterogeneous/
School project
Presentations can be done in
pairs or in small groups of 3.
7 min is
presentation
time

4. Reflect /
Evaluate/
Measure
individual
and
classroom
progress
How will
you
know
they have
learned
it?
Oral presentations (PechaKucha); Ss’ oral participation in the open-class
discussion
Reflection
& notes
Resources
&
Citations
Ss use all the resources available on the Internet on the topic studied and prepare a list
of references in their presentations.