Knit & Chatter ClubHowick Elementary School

Community Connection Project

Diane Furey

Academics & KnittingRudolf Steiner, (founder of the “Waldorf schools”) as well as other educators, believed that handwork such as knitting, crocheting and sewing are

critical to a child’s intellectual and emotional development.

In Waldorf Schools students knit everyday.

1st graders begin knitting small bags 5th graders knit socks

Dr. Linda Williams (Assistant Professor of Education at Eastern Michigan University)

recently began a research project: Improving student achievement through an afterschool knitting program: cultural historical activity theory in an urban setting

Read more at:http://www.cityknits.com/pdfs/NewResearch.pdf

Knitting

• knitting helps students increase their math & reading skills,

• improves levels of concentration & self-control • develops pride in work & a sense of mastery • develops the motivation to complete tasks• Students who knit have improved:

- hand/eye coordination- small motor skills- communication skills

Reasons to knit

Is a creative outlet

Increases right and left brain interaction it requires two hands to knit so both sides of the brain are stimulated.

Helps to develop patience

Is a way to calm down and relax by initiating

“relaxation responses” also lowers blood pressure,

improves heart conditions, and can solve insomnia.

Knitting Families • Corking / spool knitting / French knitting• Hoop knitting• Finger knitting• 2 needle knitting• Circular needle knitting• 4 needle knitting• Finger crocheting• Crocheting with a hook

2011-12 Winter Knitting project• Meet twice a week at lunchtime. • Volunteers from the community will instruct. • Older students help younger ones.• Students may work on their projects during free

time and at home.• Articles will be displayed during open house• Students may enter their projects in the

Ormstown Fair.• Some hats will be sent to Kenya as part of our

school’s “Free the Children” effort

Project Budget

Loom Knitting

Corking at recess!

Loom Knitting with a volunteer

Corking is Fun!

References• http://danceswithwool.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/k

nitting-news-elementary-school-curriculum/• http://www.bestillandknit.com• http://www.cityknits.com/pdfs/NewResearch.pdf• Handwork in the Waldorf Homeschool Curriculum:

How to Teach Children Knitting as Part of a Waldorf Education | Suite101.com http://jessica-gore.suite101.com/handwork-in-the-waldorf-homeschool-curriculum-a177381#ixzz1duqb3PUi

• www.joann.com• www.amazon.ca

The Basic Knitting Pattern

- In through the front door, once around the back, out through the window, and

off jumps Jack.