Teaching Project

[bbutton]

I'm teaching a crochet class at my apartment complex clubhouse in about two weeks. I've taught many individuals to crochet, but never a group, although I did a group knitting class about two years ago.

 

I'm still wavering between a scarf or a simple purse as the group teaching project. Any votes on this, or any other ideas?

[JCB]

I think a scarf is more versatile. It can be personalized by length, width... even with choice of yarn, could be for a male or female. Plus, it teaches just where those last/first stitches need to go.

 

Joan

[LadyyOftheOak]

Yup, I'd vote for a scarf as well

[FancyFingers]

I'd say a scarf just for simplicity. Unless you have a couple of helpers, you will probably have your hands full just getting everybody started (ask me how I know). Plus, a scarf is good for either gender.

 

OTOH, a little pouch (not so much a purse) would be smaller and quicker to complete - good if you only have a little time.

[CLLinda]

A scarf or a washcloth is a good idea. Good luck teaching. It is fun.

 

One word of advice is to be ready for lefties. I taught a class of my co-workers, and I didn't realize that 4 out of the eight were lefties. I had to scramble to find directions in a book to help them. It didn't even cross my mind.

 

Good luck!

 

[JCB]

A scarf or a washcloth is a good idea. Good luck teaching. It is fun.

 

One word of advice is to be ready for lefties. I taught a class of my co-workers, and I didn't realize that 4 out of the eight were lefties. I had to scramble to find directions in a book to help them. It didn't even cross my mind.

 

Good luck!

 

 

I've stated this in other threads, but I am a lefty, and when I teach, I have right handed students sit across from me and mirror my movements. If you choose words such as 'in next stitch' as opposed to 'stitch to the left/right' you should have no problems with folks of either handedness.

 

Joan

[LadyyOftheOak]

Unless you have a couple of helpers, you will probably have your hands full just getting everybody started (ask me how I know).

 

Boy.. big DITTO to this one lol

[loopyliz]

I think it depends on how long your class will last. If this is a group where you live and the chances of it continuing to meet for a while is good, then a scarf might be a good choice. Overall, I'm a big fan of small projects that can actually be completed during the class time. So I tend to like kitchen items: dishcloths, hot pads, potholders. They work up quickly, if a beginner's stitches are kind of wonky it doesn't matter as much, and everyone can use them. There can be a lot of crocheting in a scarf, and that can be discouraging for a beginner or someone who crochets slowly, or even for someone who caught on quickly and is now interested in moving on to choose their own pattern. I think actually completing a class project goes a long way toward increasing a student's confidence and desire to continue.