Crochet craze hooks elementary students
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This article was published 18/02/2020 (2076 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Since September, a growing group of elementary school students has become hooked on crocheting.
Beaverlodge School launched its crochet club during the second week of school. Heather Knight, special services and teacher librarian, came up with the idea of starting the lunchtime club for students in grades 3, 4 and 5. Four more staff members soon jumped on board to supervise the group — Dawn Thompson, Mel Delorme, Brittany Francisco and Linda Armishaw.
“We started out meeting once a week for half an hour at lunch, but the kids were so keen that we now meet twice a week,” Knight said. “Our little club is growing. Most recently, we have 14 girls and 11 boys who attend fairly regularly.”
So far, the students have learned a few basic stitches like a chain, single, double and half-double crochet. However, Knight noted that the club is primarily student-directed.
“If they want to learn something new, they ask and either one of the adult supervisors or another student shows them,” she said. “Some of our students have really flourished with the opportunity to lead their peers in learning something new.”
Knight’s mom taught her to crochet when she was 15 years old and now she’s happy to share the skill with the next generation.
“I like crocheting because it is relaxing,” she said. “It is also fun to create something new and unique for myself and my family.”
As for the students, they’re thriving with the crochet craze.
“The kids get excited with how quickly they can pick up a basic stitch and turn it into whatever their creative minds can think of. We started out teaching them to chain with the intent of adding a few beads to create a bookmark,” Knight said. “Some students, however, took it in their own direction, making headbands and bracelets. Now, we have scrunchies, icicles, dishcloths, scarves, hats and blankets being worked on by the students.”
If anyone in the community has extra crocheting supplies to spare, the Crochet Club would gladly put them to good use. Donations can be dropped off at Beaverlodge School, located at 6691 Rannock Ave.
“Donations are always helpful and greatly appreciated. Currently, the students are working with medium weight wool and hooks that are approximately a size 5,” Knight said. “We haven’t begun to read any patterns yet but hoping we can add that to our repertoire next year when we start the year with more students with crocheting experience.”