1. Knit & Chatter Club Howick Elementary School Community Connection Project Diane Furey

2. Academics & Knitting Rudolf 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.  1 st graders begin knitting small bags  5 th graders knit socks

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. Project Budget

9. Loom Knitting

10. Corking at recess!

11. Loom Knitting with a volunteer

12. Corking is Fun!

13. References http://danceswithwool.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/ knitting-news-elementary-school-curriculum/ http://danceswithwool.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/ knitting-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 Handwork in the Waldorf Homeschool Curriculum: How to Teach Children Knitting as Part of a Waldorf Education | Suite101.comhttp://jessica- gore.suite101.com/handwork-in-the-waldorf- homeschool-curriculum-a177381#ixzz1duqb3PUi www.joann.com www.amazon.ca

14. The Basic Knitting Pattern - In through the front door, once around the back, out through the window, and off jumps Jack.