The Benefits of Crocheting in the Lower Elementary Classroom

As Lower Elementary students are learning about the Coming of Humans to Earth and the Fundamental Human Needs (food, clothing, transportation, shelter, religion, and defense), they received a lesson from a guest on crocheting. The students learned about the uses for crocheting: clothing, gifts, re-sale, and donations for needy people. The students had fun listening to the guest speaker, Dan Trimmer, give the lesson and discuss how he started crocheting because of his need for a winter hat while skiing. As each student had their own individual ball of yarn and a crochet hook, the students learned about the importance of care and responsibility for materials, as well as how to utilize their fine motor skills in a creative way. The students  will have the opportunity to work on their crocheting each day while listening to the read-aloud Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

We have already begun to see the benefits of crocheting in the LE classroom as students practice key habits such as persistence, concentration, and collaboration. As one student said, "The lesson was awesome because it's easy to do at home, too, and you can make anything you want! I love the feeling of getting better and better."