Learning practical creativity

RONAN — K. William Harvey Elementary art teacher Barnaby Smith had to get creative when he wanted to teach his students knitting. Instead of looms, which the school didn’t have, they used tin cans of various sizes lined with popsicle sticks.

“I wanted them to be able to make a project that they can take home and do again and again,” he said. “It took a little bit, you know, to get it going, but now they’re having so much fun.”

Perseverance is a big part of the picture when teaching fourth graders a process, like knitting, that can take a few days – or more – to complete.

While in the beginning, students were at times frustrated — asking repeatedly, “Isn’t it done yet?”— after the first few students completed their hats, the rest of the class seemed to become more focused and determined to finish their own.

“There’s some perseverance involved, that’s for sure,” Smith said. “They’re so proud of what they’ve done.”

Along with the technical skills gained by learning to knit, Smith said this project has provided his students a connection to their grandparents in a way that not many things today can.

“It’s another way for them to spend time together,” he said. “And it’s just a starting point.”

Some of Smith’s more motivated students have churned out numerous hats apiece in anticipation of the upcoming fourth-grade market where students sell their goods to classmates. Some are learning to make scarves, or other items. Really, the sky is the limit once these young minds get to work.

“Even the seemingly simple task of learning to wind a ball of yarn was a challenge for some of the students,” Smith said. “It’s just so great to see them figuring this stuff out.”

If members of the community would like to donate materials to the art class, Smith would be thrilled. Contact K.W.H. at (406) 676-3390.