As a part of our practical arts programming, handwork instruction begins in first grade and continues throughout the grades. Handwork includes studying artisanal skills in felting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, basketry, weaving, dyeing and bookbinding. These skills are taught to aid students’ dexterity, focus, motor-coordination and integrative capacities. Many studies have shown that such kinesthetic learning amplifies cognitive skills: so the patterning and complex systems engaged in crocheting, weaving and knitting also aids in the conception of mathematical patterns and systems operations in higher order mathematics. Similarly, handwork experimentation with materials and transformative processes like dyeing and saturating solutions, the burnishing and enameling of copper, and similar chemical processes connect the students to scientific exploration and enhance their understanding of the physical properties and chemical underpinnings of our world.

Teachers