Club description:
Knitting clubs at the Healey School in Somerville are a promising practice, because they have attracted a large number of students from a variety of backgrounds. Last year there was one knitting club, and this club proved to be extremely popular. This year we decided to try registering students for two knitting clubs that would be run by school-day teachers, and there was an overwhelming response from the students. Over 35 students signed up for the knitting clubs, and this prompted us to search for a third knitting instructor to meet the needs and interests of the students.
On the first day of the knitting clubs the students made their own knitting needles and began to learn how to cast on. Over time the students will learn how to knit and purl, skills that address the learning outcomes of math problem solving and verbal communication. The students will be using math as they count their rows, and when they encounter problems with their project they will use mathematical principles to deduce how to solve the dilemmas. The students will also use verbal communication to explain knitting practices to other students. As students become more adept at knitting they will be able to help other students in the class who need assistance, and they will learn how to speak 'knitting language' and pass it on to others. It is important that students hone their listening skills as well because there are important directions to follow when learning how to knit. The club encourages engagement in learning because knitting requires patience and persistence. Knitting also requires that students remain on task so they do not lose their place or forget where they are in the row.
The knitting clubs allow students to learn the basics of knitting and work toward completion of a project such as a scarf, hat, or small toy. Students are provided with yarn at the beginning, and as they become more skilled and independent they are allowed to take their projects home with them to practice.
Needed materials and costs:
Materials needed are yarn and knitting needles, but the total cost of supplies for our three knitting groups was about ten dollars. We received all of our yarn through donations, and the students made their own knitting needles by sanding down the ends of thin dowels.
How do you know this practice is having a positive impact on students?
The knitting clubs are still relatively new, but there is already anecdotal evidence that students are benefiting from these clubs. Through observations we have seen that the students are highly engaged in the activity. Students who already possess knitting skills are assisting the teachers in instructing beginning students. Students wait patiently for their turn, and the classroom is a safe place for students to learn. Parents have also expressed their support for the knitting clubs in conversation.
At the end of this year, there will be SAYO data to better understand the influence on student outcomes.
If applicable, describe strategies that were used to overcome barriers you may have faced.
Far too many students signed up for the club than could be accommodated by two knitting clubs. So we advertised on Craigslist.org and found a third knitting instructor.
What factors do you think have contributed most to the success of this practice?
There seem to be several factors influencing the success of the knitting clubs:
The instructors are 7th and 8th grade school-day teachers and care deeply about the students. They are also passionate about and experienced in teaching knitting.
The community support of the clubs through yarn donations is also a contributing factor, because there was enough yarn on the first day for each student to select their own skein. This was quality yarn in a variety of colors, and it was a great help to the program that there were people willing to bring in their unused yarn.
It also appears that many of the students know someone from home who knits and this inspired them to sign up for the club. For some it may be a parent or grandmother and for others it may be a friend, but some students have expressed that they 'know about' knitting because of someone else and this is why they want to learn as well.
What suggestions do you have for others regarding potential improvements?
Knitting clubs are popular here in Somerville, and perhaps they would have success in other locations in Massachusetts as well. We are running our clubs in the winter session, and this seems to be a good time of year to introduce the craft. It is also helpful to show students what is possible with knitting. On the first day, one of the teachers brought in several of her finished and unfinished projects, and the students loved seeing what they might be able to make someday.
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