Posted September 22, 2021 in Articles
Student Perspective: Melora, Grade 8
Last year, as a seventh grader, I was able to choose an elective to add to my schedule. I was very excited when I saw Crafting Explorations was an option because I love to make stuff! My favorite part of the class was when Mrs. Dyer taught us all how to loom knit. I enjoyed it so much, I bought my own loom so I could make hats at home.
I watched a lot of DIY videos on YouTube and practiced different techniques. I took the original hat design we learned in class and made it thicker by using 2 strands of yarn instead of one. I also experimented with different sized looms to create a variety of hat sizes.
My grandma told me about a service project her community (Lakeside, Ohio) was coordinating for Ronald McDonald House. Her neighbors were donating American Girl dolls and holding a Sew-a-Thon to make doll clothes and some really cute bags to hold it all. I knew I wanted to help, so I contacted the coordinator and volunteered to knit matching hat sets for the dolls and their new owners. She loved the idea and I got started right away.
I taught one of my friends how to use a loom to make a hat and she was instantly intrigued. We partnered up and spent our entire summer knitting and perfecting our pattern. Together, we made 58 hats! Not only was it a lot of fun, it made us so happy to know we helped bring smiles to the patients’ faces. I plan to keep knitting and donate even more sets next year!
We try to fuel curiosity and spark the intrinsic motivation needed to become a lifelong learner; and that really is the heart of our elective program. These classes are a lot of fun—but they also offer our middle schoolers opportunities to experience the success and independence adolescents need to connect with the learning process on a personal level. - Greg Donnellan, Director of Middle School
Faculty Perspective: Collyn Dyer, Teacher & Lawrence Parent
Our Middle School elective program allows every student to finish out their day on a high note; immersed in an activity or subject they enjoy. And honestly, all of us teachers feel the same! I have just as much fun teaching Crafting Explorations, as the bevy of young makers I instruct.
When eighth period rolls around, my language arts classroom transforms into a creative studio where students can leave the typical stressors of adolescence behind. The kids eagerly collaborate and try out new mediums and techniques. We’ve created string art, jewelry, dream catchers, and more—I’m constantly on the lookout for inspiring projects to introduce.
I especially enjoy watching students take risks with their choices. And while they do produce some truly fabulous works, the educational value in the actual process of making these creations is immense. Glitter and paint might be stuck to their fingers, but the hard work of learning to collaborate, think ahead, and persist when things don’t go as planned is underway. It’s a very relaxing and healthy way to reinforce a growth mindset.
My own love of making things by hand started at an early age. My family owned and operated Oberlin Country Day Camp and throughout my childhood I regularly visited the camp’s craft cabin. I have wonderful memories of transforming pine cones into teddy bears, weaving sticks and yarn, working with clay, and more. Who would have guessed I’d one day incorporate some of these same cherished activities into my teaching!
I was so touched when I heard how Melora had taken one of our lessons and continued to improve upon her skills at home. I know how much effort it takes to loom knit and not only did she stick with it, she was motivated by her deep care for others. What an incredible young woman! Her dedication to this project is proof our pastimes can grow into the stuff dreams are made of and have a positive impact on the world. - Collyn Dyer, Middle School Faculty