Little Jesters: (Crochet for Kids)
Gwen feels very strongly that it is our obligation as crocheters to teach anyone we can, especially the younger generation. We must ensure that our beloved craft of crochet is preserved for the next generation. "TEACH A CHILD" -You'll be happy you did!
Young people just haven't been exposed to the needlecrafts; in the past decade (90's) school curricula has stopped incorporating sewing and other needlecrafts into the classrooms. Student learning improves when classroom lessons incorporate hands-on craft projects (Craftrends Oct 2002) A study by the Hobbies Industry Association reported that teachers said hands-on projects enhance the instructional process and help students learn both basic information and more complex ideas. Ninety-six percent of the teachers agreed that students exhibit greater curiosity about the learning unit when hands-on projects are included in the instructional approach. “There are significant differences in learning behaviors when students are involved in hands-on projects. They reported increases in student motivation, willingness to ask questions and volunteer information, enthusiasm and attention to assigned tasks.
By the time kids can write, they can manipulate the hook and the yarn. Perry Klass, assistant professor of pediatric at Boston University School of Medicine: Age 8 is a good estimate. But ability varies from child to child. The best age is when crochet is challenging but not overly frustrating. Perhaps the most important quality a kid brings to her first class is an interest in the craft and a desire to do well.
Jumbo Book of NeedleCrafts published by Kids Can Press, January 2005
Crocheting , part of the Kids Can Do It Series published by Kids Can Press in 2001
Related Articles:
“College Craze: Crochet on Campus,” Crochet! Magazine, November, 2004
“Teaching the Art of Crochet for the Next Generation,” Chain Link Newsletter, June/July 1999.
My book, Kids Can Do It: Crocheting has been sold to Scholastic Inc., U.S. Look for it at www.scholastic.com.
