I'll admit it. I got this idea from Tik Tok. A teacher, fed up with her students' cell phone dependency, researched ways to keep her students' hands occupied while also keeping them on task with class discussions. Her solution: making baby hats.
I would like to take this idea and run with it, but for a few different reasons.
(1) Research suggests that people, not just students, are able to focus on a critical thinking task when their hands are occupied. If you're a doodler, you know what I mean. (2) I've been looking for a service project that my students can get on board with. I think weaving and donating baby hats is the one. (3) Learning about knitting and weaving and the history of looms is a great way to celebrate Chinese New Year next semester. One of the first complex looms, the ground loom, was invented in Ancient China, and China has an extensive history when it comes to textiles. (4) A few weeks after Chinese New Year, we will celebrate Women's History Month. Traditionally, weaving and knitting are associated with women. It's a tradition passed down through generations, from mother to daughter, to preserve one's culture.
By weaving baby hats during class discussions and seminars, students will maintain better focus, thus increasing participation and learning. They will learn the joy of creating something with their own hands and then giving it to someone in need. In our case, those someones are newborns. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the history of weaving looms and may choose to research the part women have played in not only knitting and weaving, but also in preserving history and cultural identity through this tradition.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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