So as an elementary teacher, I've learned how hard it can be to keep children focused and motivated... especially children who struggle with challenges like ADHD. Well, last year I discovered my secret weapon - KNITTING!
It's something I've incorporated into the classroom for the past 2 years and it has been a huge success!
My students take the time at recess or lunch, or once they are finished with their work to come and sit one on one with me and learn how to knit. For most, it takes awhile to catch on and a few sessions with me before they "get it". For a few, it's a difficult task.
I've taught mostly 4th graders but have had success with a few second graders as well. Was it only the girls? No! My first ever student was a boy, and several of my boys each year continue to learn as well.
Here's why I LOVE knitting in the classroom:
First of all, it goes along with building community in my classroom, which is something that's very important to me. I love a close-knit community! (hahaha. Pun intended!) Before students are taught, they must agree to donate their first project (most likely a scarf) to charity. Because I teach them in September, the goal is to finish by the Christmas season when it's colder and the scarves are much needed! Many of the students' first project have holes are aren't the prettiest, but we remind each other that the idea is that we are keeping someone warm who needs our scarves!
Going along with the community idea, I've had former students come back to assist in the teaching of knitting to the new students!
Next, it gives the students something to do when there's nothing else. All students work at different paces and so students get their work done at different times. Those who get finished and have nothing to do often get distracted and this is when behaviour issues start. With the knitting, once they have learned, it's easy to have them work quietly on their knitting as an independent activity.
My favourite is that it really has helped with the ADHD kids in my class. These students have a hard time sitting still while the whole class is sitting and focused on the carpet/class rug. In teacher's college it was suggested that we gives these students a squishy ball or playdoh to keep their hands busy. I have allowed my students with needs to knit while on the carpet. This keeps their hands busy but they can continue to focus and listen to what is being taught or read. This usually happens at a point when they are comfortable knitting by themselves and don't need a ton of assistance.
Lastly, it evokes a sense of pride in the students. When they finish their first scarf, they can see what hard work, determination, and dedication gets you. It's then an even greater lesson in giving when they must donate this first project. Using this mentality, I discuss a quote with my students that goes something like, "Giving is more than simply giving of one's material wealth. It's giving of one's time, commitment, support, and above all else: love."
Many of my students loved the idea of giving something they made as a gift. Several went on to produce hats, bags, blankets or even sweaters for their family members! They love that THEY made it.
In an article I read recently, it said this about knitting in the classroom:
"Skills you learn whilst knitting can also be highly effective in
education and industry. Forward thinking teachers are using knitting in
classrooms and finding it facilitates learning, controls disruptive
behaviour and is ideal for kinaesthetic learners. It also teaches
patience and perseverance which is important in this world of instant
gratification. The bilateral brain exercise can also help those
suffering from dyslexia and dyspraxia. Anecdotal evidence suggests that
not only does it help them to coordinate movements and thoughts, but it
also slows down their thought processes to enable them to become more
organised."
To read the whole article,
click here.
This is definitely something that I will continue to do with my kids and if there are other knitting teachers out there, I highly recommend it to you as well!
