In Sonya's All-Day Seminar book she writes,

"Charlotte advocated learning handicrafts.  In her days, those handicrafts could help to support and enable the child as he or she grew to adulthood.  So we have expanded the list to life skills, which are likewise important  in teaching children to be industrious and preparing them to manage their own households someday."

So, yes I think that dusting and clearing the table would apply. 

Here is a series on handicrafts from the SCM blog.

Hello!

I am preparing to teach my son {currently 3} with the CM methods. I was looking at the early years guide, and I am a little confused about the handicrafts. What does that look like for a 3/4 year old boy? He can't do leatherwork, whittling, or woodworking yet. I see finger painting on there, which we do already during art time. He does have set chores already like clearing the table or helping me dust. Aren't those more habits than they are handicrafts? I was thinking maybe building with Legos...I could twist that to be a pre-robotics/sculpting handicraft. :) Any tips or thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Mariah

I vote for knitting and finger crochet. :)

For a first grader knitting is wonderful. When my girls were in Waldorf school every first grade class made their own needles and then slowly knit a colorful scarf. It was such a joy!

My DD is 4 years old and in pre-k and this weekend I started teaching her how to sew on felt.  She made a cute bird using the einky cherry method on Saturday and begged me to let her make more.  On Sunday when she woke up she went straight to her Alex Toys Sewing box picked out the dog she started and got right to sewing.  I am so glad I started her now.  The box says 7 years and older and I believe winky cherry says 5 years and older.  But when I looked at vintage sewing books for children school started teaching sewing at young ages so I figured I'd start.  We also cook together often..... if you havn't started your child on sewing or a similar skill I would recommend it. 

Thanks for the input! Just trying to weigh the cost factor between the two. I like that Scribble Art (by same lady that did Discovering Great Artists) has lots of different open-ended projects that really spark that creativity and I can choose from ones that would be appropriate to her skill level. I can get it much cheaper than Artistic Pursuits but I like both I guess from what I can tell. I'll be doing picture study too separately.

thanks everyone

There are a couple of the Jr. High books from Artistic Pursuits listed on homeschoolclassifieds.com. At least as of today, 5/13/13.

Actually maybe you could se the jr high book 1. It says for ages 11 and up so that would leave just your 9yo. Perhaps some draw and write through history books for the 9yo?

I bet you could start with book 1 for grades 4-6 for your ages. It is written to the DC Sotheby's could read and do n their own. Think it requires just basic drawing supplies, not clay, paint, etc. don't quote me on that though! Check their website for the most accurate description. Lol

We started with book one since my oldest is in 1st grade, sorry not a lot of help.

I would email them directly if you have questions. I met with them last summer at the state conference and emailed with more questions and they were very helpful

We just did book 1 with DD 1st grade and ODS preK and had so much fun. I like that I can use it again with my youngest too if the books the older 2 will be are too advanced. I like that we do different types of art and expose them to different styles. We are enjoying it a lot

Artistic Pursuits, forgot to put that in

My daughter just almost 6 loves doing art projects. I haven't done a whole lot formally with her, just kind of let her go at it and give her a little guidance...like with watercolor. I am looking at Artistic Pursuits and was wondering if this would be a good fit. I read on another post that a mom, if could do it over, would just purchase the K-3 book 2 and not 1 because it was a little simplistic in the beginning for maybe a child who doesn't have any art experience. Any opinions from other users? It is a little pricey so I was also looking at Scribble Art by Mary Ann Kohl. It has good reviews. Has anyone used this resource? I am somewhat artistic, I can draw and understand the basics of line, color, form, composition (though don't have much time to devote to it now)...I just need something to guide me or art may not happen for my daughter :)

The price is spendy.  But it looks like a BIG book.

Can you explain the different books?  Which level would I start with with a group of kids ranging from 9, 11, 13, 14 but all beginners?  The younger ones can just do there best as they can so I am not worried about them.

Misty

We really like artistic pursuits!