Knitting ‘has a revolutionary effect on pupils’ behaviour’
By ANISunday, February 13, 2011
LONDON - A UK school has brought the long-lost art of knitting back to the classroom stating that it has a revolutionary effect.
Teachers have said it has improved behaviour, helped pupils learn to write and encouraged them to have conversations rather than play with their phones.
They have been so impressed with the impact of a lunchtime knitting club that they have started incorporating it into maths and history lessons.
During maths lessons, pupils at Worth Primary in Kent create a design to knit, and then calculate the number of stitches they will need.
In history, knitting is used to help with their study of castles. They learn about clothing worn in the Middle Ages and how to make it.
“We think of it as a return to traditional values. It has dramatically improved behaviour. And it really helps communication. Instead of playing on their phones or computers, the children knit and talk to each other. They have proper conversations,” the Daily Mail quoted Headmistress Lynne Moore as saying.
Moore said an unintended consequence was that pupils’ writing skills improved. She said several started school unable to do up a button or hold a pen - but knitting improves their fine motor skills.
It is so popular that a third of the 62 boys and girls aged five to 11 at the school regularly attend the lunchtime club. (ANI)
