The after school prgram was dismal. Two groups of kids were divided between 2 classrooms. The kids were all inner city black kids whose parents were professionals in the neighborhood. The kids came to my room 3 days a week and switched and went to the other teacher's room 2 days a week.
The other teacher was not a teacher. She was a bored young woman who issued crayons and stern reprimands to color pages torn from coloring books. The kids were beyond bored.
The supply closets were empty and these kids needed to have something to do for the 2-3 hours I had them in my care. So, I came upon the clever idea of teaching them to make dolls. I sent home a note for supplies and I raided my supplies.
Within days we had a nice accumulation and the kids got busy making freestyle dolls. They were simple and stuffed with old pantyhose. But, the thrill for the kids was unbelievable.
The kids in the next room started to get rowdy not wanting to color anymore and some even cried to be in my room. Little 6 and 7 year olds were excited to come to after school care. It was chaotic but it was fun too. Parents lingered at the departure time to look at the dolls. By Christmas the kids all took their little self portrait dolls home.
I am telling you this story because I think that those of us who have been around the needlearts our whole lives have a duty to teach those new to the needlearts. Sharon B prompted a worldwide web blog response to her discussion of slow cloth. I have read the various comments and agree with some and disagree with others. While I don't encourage 15 minutes crafts either (especially for an adult mind), I do encourage people to experience the needlearts. Even young children can be awakened to the possibilities of handwork, if given a chance.
If the opportunity comes your way to teach someone else something about the needlearts, don't dumb down the project. Step it up! Challenge is not a four letter word!
And on another note:
I have the top embroidery done on my Crazy 'Bout Rodes (except the middle embellished block). I am torn between continuing work on it or dropping it a few days for some quick 15 minute Christmas projects (*wink*). You all know me well enough to know that none of my projects are quick!
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Crazy 'Bout Rodeos is looking great! How exciting to see it so close to being done. My theory on fiberarts/crafting/whatever is to make whatever it is worth the time invested. A 15 minute craft is fine if the product is only needed or useful for 15 minutes. If it's something, like an ornament, that is desired to last year after year then it deserves the extra time.
ReplyDeleteWay back in another life, I did oil painting. One summer when I was a young mother, I was painting in the open garage and the neighborhood kids got curious and watched me for hours. So I spread the word, and I taught them oil painting on lazy summer afternoons. Actually I didn't teach them much of anything, I just gave them paints and canvas, and they did the work. I had stacks of torn-out pages of pretty pictures from them to choose from, or they could paint the still life that I was working on. It was a whole lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI would love to do the same with sewing. Wouldn't that be a blast? I have four sewing machines after all, I could set them up in the garage and give 'em scraps.
I can see more blue ribbons on that CBR quilt than the ones you embroidered! It's great! But GOOD LUCK just the same. You did a fabulous job, not just the execution, but the vision. It's fun, interesting, colorful, it fits the theme--it's got it all.
Debra....this quilt is looking great. You have a wonderful way with color and creativity. I always enjoy seeing your projects. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteDebra- As a cloth doll artist and teacher, I was moved when I read how you introduced dollmaking to a group of innercity kids. One day when those kids have grown they will look back at the generosity and creativity you shared with them and hopefully pass it on. Three cheers Debra. :)
ReplyDeleteConnie
The quilt is a total success. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteLoved your story about the dolls, too. Timely to our discussion...
Quilt looks awesome!! Congrats on your son's graduation. With a little luck, my son with graduate in June!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on teaching kids about the needlearts. I learned to sew and knit at the Girls'Club as well as some cooking. Kids need to have things to do with their hands other than video games!
Thanks for the great story. I do think that the desire to create something meaningful with our hands is ingrained in many people, and most kids are drawn to this experience. The alternative of coloring in someone else's drawing is not nearly as fulfilling.
ReplyDeleteYour rodeo quilt is a winner. What a beautiful design.
And what a great teacher you were born to be. Super story.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you are coming to the end! It looks great.
I'm of the opinion that it doesn't have to be all of one thing or another. We can do quick and dirty, and we can do long and drawn out. It's whatever the project needs. But I don't think I know any 15 minute projects either. ;)
Amen honey! there's enough dumbing down of kids today.
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt...gonna be the winner!
ReplyDeleteYou and I share the same mentality on kids. Keeping kids as I do in the summer, I have alot of time on my hands with them. I got to teach a 13 year old how to make her first quilt top and I don't know who was more excited watching her soak it up. Bravo to you...!
I read your story about teaching children with interest. I have written along a similar vein in my blog (the post on childrens craft projects) - Sharon does raise some interesting topics! Love the quilt by the way!!
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