In most homeschools, handwork and crafts are treated as "extras." We believe differently. High quality, meaningful crafts and other projects are a cornerstone of both the Charlotte Mason and the classical approaches. They provide a rewarding pastime, increase motor skills, provide an incredible sense of satisfaction, and more. We have found that handwork is one of the best ways to increase attention span, teach diligence, and decrease boredom. When children learn to enjoy simple, timeless crafts they are provided with a hobby that will serve them well their entire lives. Our 10 year old daughter has learned to knit and to weave small projects very well. She takes her weaving or knitting everywhere she goes so that she can occupy spare moments profitably. Because of this she always has a steady supply of much-appreciated handmade gifts for friends and family members. She was even able to sell enough of her work this fall to buy a large number of items for Operation Christmas Child!
Maybe you agree with me, but worry about finding time to fit "one more thing" into your already busy days. Here are a few ideas:
~ Unplug. Jeff often comments on how very easy it is to get sooo busy with "good" things that we have no more time for the things that are truly excellent. While
the purpose of this article is not to debate the merits of TV and computer games, I do want to suggest that these are two uses of time that can cause the "good" to crowd out the excellent. We have never had television in our home - we do have a VRC/TV combo that allows the children to watch select (and limited!) videos. This puts US in control. Computer time is scheduled - no more than 30 minutes a day per child, but often far less than that. Cutting these things out allows our children plenty of time each day to engage in productive free time activities such as handicrafts.
~Avoid idleness. Our older children have been well-trained against idle hands. Almost any time we go anywhere in the car, they jump to grab books, notebooks and colored pencils, stationary and pens, or knitting and other portable projects. It is really amazing how much can be done in bits and pieces of a few minutes here and there while sitting in the car or waiting somewhere. Even a few moments each week waiting for her French class to start has yielded Hannah enough time to complete several projects. Tip: Watch your stores for 2-gallon ziplock bags. They can be hard to find, but they are big enough to store almost any work-in-progress in a neat and portable fashion.
~Set an example. Your children are watching! While Hannah didn't get her love of knitting from me (I haven't got the foggiest idea how to knit!), she and the others see that Jeff and I both have profitable hobbies that we hold dear.
~Try, try again. Not all children will love all handicrafts at all stages of their lives, but with a little careful thought you are sure to find something to engage each one. Don't forget how quickly children change. One of our children would have rather been tortued than forced to draw or color just a few months ago; now he is seldom found without a drawing tool of some sort in his little hand.
~Offer the best. There really is a difference between cheap versus high-quality materials. Many a child that "doesn't like that sort of thing" has changed his or her mind when given materials that demand respect: art quality pencils that beg to be drawn with, watercolors that are vivid and true, pure, vibrant wool to stitch or weave with, and so on. If you want to make sure that your children never develop a love for art or handwork-type hobbies, just be sure to give them materials that will frustrate and fail them!!
~Take some time to browse our ever-growing selection of the finest craft items. You will only find the very best items here. If you are not already incorporating handwork into your day, this is the time to start; and if productive hobbies are already a part of your routine, then you may find something new to learn and enjoy with your children!
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