Embracing Handicrafts in Our Homeschool
Welcome back, I’m so glad you could join us! As we continue our journey into the world of Charlotte Mason-inspired education, I'm excited to share with you an aspect that I initially found intimidating - the incorporation of handicrafts. Today, I want to delve into why handicrafts hold a special place in this style of education and how they have become a valuable part of our homeschooling routine.
When I first encountered the idea of introducing handicrafts to our homeschooling journey, I'll admit that I was hesitant. The thought of potential messes, the need for various supplies, and knowing that my son sometimes strives for perfection right from the start (often followed by big frustration) made me pause. However, the more I delved into the Charlotte Mason philosophy, the more I realized the importance of handicrafts as a tool in developing essential habits and skills in children.
The Importance of Handicrafts:
Habit Formation: Handicrafts are not just about creating beautiful objects; they are about nurturing habits. Charlotte Mason emphasized the significance of developing habits of attention and careful work. Engaging in handicrafts naturally fosters these habits. Children learn to pay close attention to details and take pride in their work, leading to habits that extend to other areas of their education and life.
Growth Mindset: Handicrafts provide an ideal opportunity to instill a growth mindset in children. Initially, my son, like many others, had a tendency to want to do things perfectly the first time. Handicrafts, with their hands-on nature, teach children that it's okay to make mistakes, learn from them, and improve. It's about the process, not just the end result.
Skill Development: Engaging in handicrafts allows children to acquire a range of practical skills. From sewing to woodworking to knitting, these skills empower them to create and repair things on their own. It's a form of self-sufficiency that builds confidence and independence.
Our Journey with Handicrafts:
For the fall term, I decided to take the plunge and commit to adding handicrafts to our daily timetable. It was a step out of my comfort zone, but I believed in the value of what it could offer my sons. And let me tell you, the results have been incredibly encouraging!
Despite my initial hesitation and a little friction, my oldest son dived into the world of handicrafts with enthusiasm. Watching him immerse himself in creative projects has been a joy. He's been enjoying the process, learning from his attempts, and, most importantly, developing those vital habits of close attention and careful work.
Moreover, I've found that my concerns about messes and supplies were manageable with a little planning and organization. I chose one of the simplest activities on offer - papercraft. The only supplies we’re using are origami paper, scissors, and glue sticks. If you wanted to go even simpler, you could choose origami and then only need the paper! I keep all the supplies together in a small, lidded bin so we don’t need to spend time gathering supplies before beginning. We’re following along with the instructional videos available to CMEC members on the CMEC website. I printed the diagram pages to accompany the videos so we can those for reference. That’s all we need! After the initial gathering of supplies and printing the diagrams, I watched the first video and knew - we can do this! The benefits we've reaped from introducing handicrafts far outweigh any initial challenges. Sometimes I still feel a little hesitation at pulling out the box, but it’s really a lovely way to spend time with the boys and allow them some creativity and practice with their fine motor skills and detailed work. Add some tea, a snack, and some music and you have the makings of a great crafternoon.
As we continue on this Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschooling journey, I'm excited to see how handicrafts will continue to shape my children's character and skills. It's a reminder that learning is not confined to textbooks and worksheets; it extends into the realm of creativity and practicality.
So, to all fellow homeschoolers who may be hesitant about introducing handicrafts, I encourage you to take that leap of faith. Embrace the (minimal) mess, relish the process, and celebrate the growth it fosters in your child. Handicrafts are not just about creating beautiful objects; they are about nurturing beautiful habits and skills that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for sharing in our journey, and I look forward to hearing about your own experiences with handicrafts and Charlotte Mason-inspired education. What are your family’s favorite handicrafts? What challenges / joys have you experienced in this area? 🌿🧵🛠️
