HANDICRAFTS
"
The children I am speaking of are much occupied with things as well as with books, because 'Education is the Science of Relations,' is the principle which regulates their curriculum; that is, a child goes to school with many aptitudes which he should put into effect. So, he learns a good deal of science, because children have no difficulty in understanding principles, though technical details baffle them. He practises various handicrafts that he may know the feel of wood, clay, leather, and the joy of handling tools, that is, that he may establish a due relation with materials. But, always, it is the book, the knowledge, the clay, the bird or blossom, he thinks of, not his own place or his own progress." -CM Volume 6, pg.31
What are handicrafts, and what are my children supposed to be doing for that?
The handicrafts Charlotte Mason wanted children to do were more than arts and crafts projects - she wanted children to put time into creating something of real use, and she expected them to care enough about the project to take pains to produce well-done work. Making (and mending) real things like rugs, baskets, ceramic pots, doll furniture, and sewing on lost buttons, hemming pillowcases, cooking, woodworking, cross stitching and fixing plumbing were what she had in mind rather than worthless busy art projects that end up thrown away. She saw this as a way to encourage a productive will and develop skills that can be carried into adulthood, and perhaps a way to reveal and exercise talents or callings. Afternoons were left free for children to work on such projects.
The American Boys Handy Book by D.C Beard has ideas for boy projects; there is also an American Girls Handy Book. Another popular and well-illustrated resource is Back to Basics: How to Learn and Enjoy Traditional American Skills, published by Readers Digest. State fairs and art festivals with booths for spinners, weavers, woodworkers, etc. may also provide opportunities to find craft ideas. You can read more about handicrafts here. Taken from Ambleside Online
Teaching Handicrafts at Spread the Feast Co-op:
We will try to introduce the children to many different skills. The teacher of this subject will need to plan and purchase (you will be reimbursed) all that is necessary for the planned handicraft. Teach it to the children and help them begin their projects. All parents hands will be on deck to assist! Any unfinished projects should be taken home and finished so that they are at the place they need to be for the following class time.
Resources:
The Value of Art Training and Manual Work
"Our Work"
List of Handicrafts
http://www.charlottemasonhelp.com/2009/07/handicrafts.html
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/R20B2WUM6QPK70
http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com/2011/07/cm-blog-carnival-handicrafts-vol1.html
http://simplycharlottemason.com/books/handicrafts-made-simple/
http://www.breathingroom.faithweb.com/handicrafts.html
What are handicrafts, and what are my children supposed to be doing for that?
The handicrafts Charlotte Mason wanted children to do were more than arts and crafts projects - she wanted children to put time into creating something of real use, and she expected them to care enough about the project to take pains to produce well-done work. Making (and mending) real things like rugs, baskets, ceramic pots, doll furniture, and sewing on lost buttons, hemming pillowcases, cooking, woodworking, cross stitching and fixing plumbing were what she had in mind rather than worthless busy art projects that end up thrown away. She saw this as a way to encourage a productive will and develop skills that can be carried into adulthood, and perhaps a way to reveal and exercise talents or callings. Afternoons were left free for children to work on such projects.
The American Boys Handy Book by D.C Beard has ideas for boy projects; there is also an American Girls Handy Book. Another popular and well-illustrated resource is Back to Basics: How to Learn and Enjoy Traditional American Skills, published by Readers Digest. State fairs and art festivals with booths for spinners, weavers, woodworkers, etc. may also provide opportunities to find craft ideas. You can read more about handicrafts here. Taken from Ambleside Online
Teaching Handicrafts at Spread the Feast Co-op:
We will try to introduce the children to many different skills. The teacher of this subject will need to plan and purchase (you will be reimbursed) all that is necessary for the planned handicraft. Teach it to the children and help them begin their projects. All parents hands will be on deck to assist! Any unfinished projects should be taken home and finished so that they are at the place they need to be for the following class time.
Resources:
The Value of Art Training and Manual Work
"Our Work"
List of Handicrafts
http://www.charlottemasonhelp.com/2009/07/handicrafts.html
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/R20B2WUM6QPK70
http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com/2011/07/cm-blog-carnival-handicrafts-vol1.html
http://simplycharlottemason.com/books/handicrafts-made-simple/
http://www.breathingroom.faithweb.com/handicrafts.html
