Russian nesting dolls are wooden figures, made in such a way that they can be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside one another. These painted wood dolls are also known as Matryoshka dolls, babushka dolls, or stacking dolls. What is the difference between all the names? – Well, “babushka” is the Russian word referring to an old woman or grandmother and “matryoshka” means matriarch or mother. Nesting dolls represent the idea of a mother carrying a child within her, who then carries a child herself, and so. In other words, they represent a chain of mothers carrying on the family legacy through subsequent generations. As a result, nesting dolls are considered a symbol of motherhood.
The first set of nesting dolls was made in the late 1800s. Matryoshka come in various styles. The most popular type is the traditional design that looks like a young Russian wearing a long Russian sarafan, or peasant dress, and a headscarf. Most nesting doll sets are are made out of wood and painted in elaborate, brightly colored patterns. The figures inside may be of any gender, and the smallest, innermost doll is typically a baby turned from a single piece of wood.
See images of Russian Nesting Dolls here: https://www.pinterest.com/passportnation/live-it-a-slice-of-life-in-europe/russian-nesting-dolls/
Materials:
- Crayons or Colored Pencils
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions:
LEVEL ONE
Print out Russian Doll Template 1 onto white paper.
Instruct students to color their doll pattern with brightly colored crayons or colored pencils.
{Optional: Cut out doll and glue on brightly colored piece of paper or card stock.}
LEVEL TWO
Print out as many Russian Doll Template 2 as needed. One template makes two doll sets, therefore, one template for every two kids.
Instruct students to color the three Dolls and Pocket with brightly colored crayons or colored pencils.
Next, carefully cut out each item on the template (Large Doll, Medium Doll, Small Doll and Pocket).
- Place the pocket over the Large Doll so that the flaps overhang.
- Fold flaps around behind the Large Doll and glue in place.
- Finally, place the Medium Doll and Small Doll inside the pocket.
