NAMTA Journal 38/2 08 Quilt-Making in the Elementary Class

In The NAMTA Journal, Volume 38, Number 2, 2013, Spring

Pages: 121-124

As our world becomes more and more technological, it is essential that we remember that one of the main ways the child's brain develops is through meaningful work of the hand. Monica Nixon, the founder and director of Mountain Laurel Montessori School in Front Royal, VA, as well as a quilter and knitter, describes her experience of teaching her class of six- through twelve-year-old students how to quilt and what has become a ritual quilt-making event that begins in early November and finishes before winter break in mid-December. During the quilt-making process, the students share personal stories through natural conversations with both their teacher and fellow students. The more experienced students help younger students, and the students enjoy sharing their quilts with the recipient of their choice. Students have remarked that they are more focused throughout the quilt-making process than they have ever been. The sewing process seems to be especially helpful to students who have difficulty sustaining their attention during most learning activities. This could be due to the repetitive actions with each stitch and that there is no way to speed through any part of the process. Often their newly acquired ability to sustain their focus carries over into their other work.

Author(s)
Nixon, Monica

Publisher: North American Montessori Teachers' Association

Type of Resource: Article

Language: English

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As our world becomes more and more technological, it is essential that we remember that one of the main ways the child's brain develops is through meaningful work of the hand. Monica Nixon, the founder and director of Mountain Laurel Montessori School in Front Royal, VA, as well as a quilter and knitter, describes her experience of teaching her class of six- through twelve-year-old students how to quilt and what has become a ritual quilt-making event that begins in early November and finishes before winter break in mid-December. During the quilt-making process, the students share personal stories through natural conversations with both their teacher and fellow students. The more experienced students help younger students, and the students enjoy sharing their quilts with the recipient of their choice. Students have remarked that they are more focused throughout the quilt-making process than they have ever been. The sewing process seems to be especially helpful to students who have difficulty sustaining their attention during most learning activities. This could be due to the repetitive actions with each stitch and that there is no way to speed through any part of the process. 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Linked Data

ERIC Link
http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1077043

ERIC Keywords
Handicrafts, Elementary School Students, Teaching Methods, Learner Engagement, Attention Span, Montessori Schools

Library of Congress Subjects
Montessori method of education

LCNAF Corporate Names
North American Montessori Teachers' Association

Wikidata Subjects
Montessori education

VIAF
North American Montessori Teachers' Association

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