...My children attend a wonderful elementary school where there is a great sense of community; part of the reason being programs like the lunchtime activity program, whereby parents are encouraged to engage the children in an activity of their choice during those Vancouver days when it rains too hard for the children to go out to play. The activities tend to be very diverse, anything from teaching the kids how to hoola-hoop, play the violin, speak Spanish, work with papier maché, etc...
A few years ago, I started to partake in the program by doing very simple crafts with Kindergarten and Grade 1 children. Last year though, it dawned on me that I could teach older kids how to crochet... so I did, and by coming once a week, I formed the beginnings of my little crochet club with a small group of enthusiastic fourth-graders. This year, I've continued nurturing my little crochet club and, because of increased demand for my crochet lessons, I now come twice a week at lunchtime to crochet with a very avid group of fourth- and fifth -graders (yes, all girls!)...
This year, I'm teaching them how to make relatively simply daisy-like flowers, which they will eventually sew onto little shoulder bags some already have started crocheting. It warms my soul when I meet up with them, and they show me all the flowers they've made since the last time I saw them; they tell me that they crochet them sometimes during free time at school, when on the school bus, or at home when they have a moment...Wow! how cool is that!
I love hanging out with them and teaching them because they are so keen and they can't wait to advance in their abilities; they want to be able to make these and these (which I show them to inspire them) and all the pretty things they see in the crochet books I bring along.... they truly have the crochet bug! So,on the last day of school before the Christmas holiday, I decided to surprise each one of them with the little candy cane yarn balls shown in the photos, as a way of thanking them for giving me such a wonderful experience... I can't wait to see them in January to see what they will have made over the holidays!...
Dec. 25th: I thought I would have had time to post again before Christmas, but who was I fooling?!... So, since it is the 25th today, I would like to wish all of you and your families a very merry and cozy Christmas day!
What an amazing experience ... for the girls AND you!!!
My eldest starts school next year. I'm so looking forward to getting involved.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Andi :-)
Posted by: Andi | December 22, 2008 at 01:21 AM
It's great that you are able to pass on the skills (and obviously the passion) to the kids. My mum was a teacher and she used to teach the Primary 3 classes (7 to 8 year olds) how to knit - including the boys! It was amazing what she could make with one or 2 knitted squares!!
Posted by: Di | December 22, 2008 at 05:16 AM
How Wonderful! I know how satisfying it is to nurture a few kids and marvel at how one can keep their interest, and then you get to watch the group grow. Good for you :)
Posted by: Lilli | December 22, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Dear Beata,
can I come to your class, too, to be teached how to make this wonderful flowers? I really could understand why all those girls love to crochet! And what wonderful and surprising gifts, love them very much, so joyful, cheery and encouraging. You must be a gorgeous teacher.
Because here in Germany we are celebrating at the 24th of december already, I want to take the opportunity here to wish you a very Merry Christmas, happy and lovely days with your family. Delicious food and drinks, laughter and happy meetings. And all the best for the New Year, with lots of luck, health and sunshine.
With my very best wishes,
Suzi
Posted by: Krawuggl | December 22, 2008 at 01:39 PM
How wonderful! This is such a great gift that you are taking your time to teach these young girls something that will be so handy in all their days to come. Truly a blessing...;)
Posted by: lisa | December 22, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Wishing You and Your Family a Very Merry Christmas!
~Smiles~Tam!
Posted by: tam | December 22, 2008 at 05:08 PM
don't forget to show us after:)
Posted by: Zelia | December 23, 2008 at 01:17 AM
that is a great story!
merry christmas!
Posted by: katie | December 23, 2008 at 09:51 AM
What a great project. I love to work with kids, they are so pure. Great work!! have a meery Christmas, enjoy it.
Posted by: jacoline (lien) | December 24, 2008 at 01:15 AM
this is so amazing and sweet! you are wonderful for taking the time to pass on a handmade tradition. the children will thank you and the other moms for taking the time to teach them something they will enjoy for years to come. when k gets to go to school i too plan to be involved in her school. hopefully we can incorporate some of these ideas. it is very sweet! for 2009 i plan to learn to crochet! my grandmother is a crochet genius and i so wish we lived closer. merry christmas!!!
Posted by: nathalie | December 26, 2008 at 04:48 PM
What a wonderful thing you are doing...lots of children never get the chance to experience crocheting/knitting/sewing etc. in this busy world of ours.
I will be back to check out their bags in the New Year.
Your crochet classes sound wonderful and I love the Christmas gifts for your Crochet Club!
Wishing you peace and happiness for 2009.
Posted by: Jacky | December 27, 2008 at 03:02 PM
How I would dearly love to be a part of your crochet club! And what a wonderful school to host such activities!
A lovely and cozy holiday to you as well, dear Beata.
Posted by: kirsten | December 30, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Beata dear,
I am amazed by all your work you have done sinds last time I visited!! God heaven, your have fairy hands! I just ADORE your gorgeous flower squares. I truly wish I was able to read and understand your recipe. However, I am not good reading the Norwegain ones either. If I do crochet, I just do it by feeling. Last year I managed to make my ever first granny`s, I had a plan to make a really big wolly blanket. I never finnished. Gosh, I do regret that looking at your flower squares. At the moment everything is so bright and light here in my house and I do want a bit of colour. Just a lick of pastel green would have made a great difference. A blanket for my bedroom, yepp that would have been lovely. Thanks for Inspiring and making me feel so happy with your craftiness and pictures!
I wish you a very good 2009, may it be a year filled with success, good health and much much creativity! Happy days!
Hugs from Norway,
Aina Moderncountry
Posted by: Aina | January 01, 2009 at 04:07 AM
Wish you and yours a happy new year!!
Posted by: heleen | January 01, 2009 at 12:43 PM
...And now 2009! Happy new year Beata, I wish you a year with joy and gorgeous colors as in your blog!
Posted by: Bridget | January 03, 2009 at 02:28 AM
This is just plain fun. I bet the girls loved their sweet sweet goodies! I looking forward to reading more about your little club! What a legacy you are passing on.
~Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | January 05, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Love hearing about your crochet club. I've been thinking of offering to start a group at my DS's school for cross stitch or crochet or something like that, so it's good to read about your good experience.
Posted by: tintocktap | January 19, 2009 at 02:48 AM
What gorgeous images! I love the fact that the yarn is like the colour of the candy, bright and gorgeous, I imagine the two things will be inextricably linked now, which must be a great thing!
Love vanessa xxx (do you mind if i knit)
Posted by: vanessa | May 11, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Woops, I meant, in the above comment, that the two things must be linked in the children's minds! it's late here!
Vanessa xxx
Posted by: vanessa | May 11, 2009 at 04:26 PM
Beata,
The national needlearts association, has a program, where they will supply you with the instructions, yarn and crochet hooks (or knitting, or other needlework) to teach a school, group (such as girlscouts), etc. to knit or crochet or do needlepoint or embroidery.
it's free once a year, or once a semester.
i saw it on t.v. and told our local girlscouts leader and the woman at our church who teaches the 8-12 year olds crafts.
here is the url for the program. you could get a book, printed instructions, yarn and crochet hooks for your girls!!!
http://www.tnna.org/Outreach/Youth/tabid/153/Default.aspx
please make me six assorted pillowcases to thank me for this information.
hahahahaha. j/k.
Posted by: brigette | February 08, 2010 at 07:14 AM