5 Ways to Incorporate ‘Handwork’ at Home
WHY WORKING WITH HANDS IS A CRITICAL PIECE OF THE EDUCATION PUZZLE
Humans were built to work with their hands. And since the beginning of time, that is exactly what we have done. From the pottery and tools made during the Bronze age, to the clothing and shoes that we have worn in more recent centuries, mankind has imagined, created, and produced. Yet the tides are changing. Today, with mass production and machines taking the place of a lot of handwork, it’s hard to always connect the sweater that we buy to the person who made it, or the rug in our living room to the people who weaved it. In fact, the very need to create ourselves has in large part been taken away, with many people never learning some of the most basic handwork skills. Handwork is integral to the development of a human being and helps educate the whole human. The Head, Heart, and Hands are brought together in a seamless manner through the practice of handwork and crafts. In fact, it’s such a fundamental aspect of education that Rudolf Steiner -- the founder of the Waldorf education system -- formally integrated handwork into the curriculum for Waldorf schools. Kids learn to make their own musical instrument cases, design patterns for small blankets, and so much more. While this means students will learn to weave, knit, crochet and sew, his intention was not to produce weavers and crochet professionals. Rather, it was to help students feel confident when going out into the wider world that they would be perfectly capable of managing the practical affairs of life. While you impart confidence in pottery, woodwork and structure building through school art projects, you simultaneously plant the seed for careers and futures that go beyond linear thinking and demand more complex problem solving. While the benefits of handwork and crafts in childhood are virtually endless, these are some that we see as particularly relevant.
KEY BENEFITS OF HANDWORK
Promotes the healthy capacity for thinking and judging
Develops the dexterity, sensitivity, and fine motor control of the hands and fingers, which in turn has a positive impact on brain development
Moves the child from ‘play’ to meaningful work
Builds confidence
Encourages a living connection to math -- (just ask anyone who sews or knits how patterns, numbers and measurements are critical to success!)
Helps to develop patience and perseverance since a handwork project takes time
Makes a connection between mankind and nature, as the materials used are from the earth rather than manufactured plastic
Builds the capacity to solve problems. Students have to notice mistakes, keep count of their stitches, and focus while knitting
Teaches children to regulate themselves as they become frustrated or learn how to ask for help
Offers a form of therapeutic activity throughout the day
Pretty compelling, right? Are you motivated to incorporate handwork, crafts, and all manner of working with hands into your child’s life at home? Simply try some of these easy, everyday ways we’ve put together for you here.
5 EASY WAYS TO INCORPORATE “WORKING WITH HANDS” INTO HOME ROUTINES
Get dirty with your kids in the garden! Even the simplest garden project like pulling weeds can help develop their fine motor skills
Have your children help you in the kitchen by chopping vegetables, assisting with baking and cooking, and doing the dishes (it’s even good for your little ones to use a knife to cut if done with adult supervision)
Learn a new handwork technique by taking up knitting or cross-stitch with your children ages seven years or older
Let your kids clean up by sweeping the floor. The sweeping motion enables their bodies to cross the midline which integrates left and right brain development
Have them braid a friend’s hair, build a homemade craft, or paint with watercolors. Working with their hands helps to ground them and create necessary life skills that create a lifelong foundation for learning.