This final section is about handwork, such as "paper folding, basket-making, chair caning, sewing and knitting, clay modeling, wood carving, and bent-iron work," in addition to gardening and cooking. Wow, those PNEU children had some diverse activities! Miss Mason wanted them to know the feel of various textures and tools, and know the pleasure of careful work, done well and successfully completed.
Of key importance in this handwork is that the work itself be of value, not just a silly little craft, but something real and useful, with "form, order, and beauty." Children should be taught carefully what to do, and to work slowly and methodically on a project, doing their very best work. Of course, the teacher must keep in mind what the child is capable of, and not place the task too far above their capabilities.
We haven't done too much in the handwork here at our house yet, but the few things we've tried have been well-received. Beeswax modeling clay is a wonderful media for young children. It smells delicious and sweet, and it requires patience to hold it in one's hand until it's warm enough to mold into the desired shape. I have some experience with knitting, entirely self-taught, and I intend to try finger knitting with Cate very soon, as well as some simple hand-sewing. We do garden work all the time, and I often have both children join me at the counter in the kitchen for kneading bread or rolling out dough. I think a very key component here is the idea of real work, that the children know they are capable and needed, that their effort contributes to the home, and that their hands can make lovely things.
Of key importance in this handwork is that the work itself be of value, not just a silly little craft, but something real and useful, with "form, order, and beauty." Children should be taught carefully what to do, and to work slowly and methodically on a project, doing their very best work. Of course, the teacher must keep in mind what the child is capable of, and not place the task too far above their capabilities.
We haven't done too much in the handwork here at our house yet, but the few things we've tried have been well-received. Beeswax modeling clay is a wonderful media for young children. It smells delicious and sweet, and it requires patience to hold it in one's hand until it's warm enough to mold into the desired shape. I have some experience with knitting, entirely self-taught, and I intend to try finger knitting with Cate very soon, as well as some simple hand-sewing. We do garden work all the time, and I often have both children join me at the counter in the kitchen for kneading bread or rolling out dough. I think a very key component here is the idea of real work, that the children know they are capable and needed, that their effort contributes to the home, and that their hands can make lovely things.
This is something I want to incorporate more of now that the kids are getting older. Like you said, we do cooking, cleaning, gardening-type stuff, and the kids enjoy the "real work" of that, but I really want to add some other skills into our days, particularly some that result in the "lovely things" you mentioned. I think I'm going to try to tackle one new handcraft with the kids each year--I read that suggestion on the AO Forums, and it sounds doable.
ReplyDelete"I think a very key component here is the idea of real work, that the children know they are capable and needed, that their effort contributes to the home, and that their hands can make lovely things." --LOVE this. I never thought about my kiddos knowing they are capable and needed. You put that wonderfully.
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