Teaching the Importance of Textiles to Elementary Female Scholars

Day Schedule for Home Economics in Beginner Crocheting, Knitting and Sewing for Elementary Female Scholars

Day 1 Introduction to Textiles

Topic Outcome

Knitting Circle Skill Taught

Things That Make Me Happy

? Many modern female scholars may not fully appreciate the significance of the humble piece of thread or string. Indeed, humans first began weaving plant fibers into thread, string and rope as long as 100,000 – 800,000 years ago – or more – and things have never been the same since.

? Not only could thread and string be woven into enormously useful articles such as rope which has infinite uses as well as nets that could be used to trap game and carry bulky items, these materials could also be used to make clothing. In sum, these inventions were on par with the wheel, fire, paper and money in humankind’s evolution (Barber, 1996).

? To learn more, during the introduction to Knitting, Crocheting and Sewing, scholars will watch three videos: Who Invented Crochet? The Interesting History of Crochet, History of Knitting! 10th Century to Modern Times, and

Learn About the History of Quilting and How Quilts are Made

? During the Day 1 introductory session, scholars will collaborate in a group to analyze each of the three videos in order to visualize their own unique version of success in crocheting, knitting and sewing, a step that is needed before they can start to aim for it.

? Following the analysis session, the scholars will identify and codify the goals they would like to attain and share through topic discussions within a circle of other female scholars with differing goals.

? In order to familiarize scholars with some of the common textile materials that will be used, a knitting circle skill will be taught to help scholars practice patience, inspire creativity, and enhance their mathematical skill sets.

? The knitting circle skill also promotes a caring atmosphere among group members, and both verbal and nonverbal communications methods develop as the skill is acquired (Jacobsen, 2000).

? Likewise, intragroup communications during a knitting circle session also promote a sense of camaraderie that may endure long after these skills are learned (Jacobsen, 2000).

? During the introductory session, participating scholars will begin to identify the things that they do in their lives that serve to make them happy.

? This process can help identify appropriate corresponding individual goals which can then be compared with the goals that were identified by other scholars.