I love the idea of just choosing a few and spending a term working on each. We’re definitely going to spend the first term on a few key life skills that will just help our home run more smoothly. But I’m torn on what to do for a handicraft after that! I thought perhaps hand-sewing/embroidery? It seems like an easy one to stretch out over a term building up to a few exciting end of term “goal projects” after they master the basics. Any thoughts?
For dd6 we did making pancakes, folding her own laundry, and crochet for our handicrafts/life skills this year. Crochet was through our 4H group so she had the goal of finishing a washcloth to enter in the fair this summer. Crochet also lends itself well to making gifts for grandmas, aunt, ect.
My DC could do embroidery at that age…I was just thinking I should get my current 6yo started! My DC also enjoy sewing with felt…it’s a bit easier to work with than regular fabric since there aren’t any hems needed (fleece would be good as well). We have a nice collection of felts and embroidery thread for them to create with. They’ve also been able to sew pillowcases on the machine (with help) and it makes a very practical project!
Other things they’ve enjoyed at that age: scultping, photography (with a cheap digital camera), scrapbooking/albums, learning games like checkers, simple weaving, indoor/outdoor gardening, card making (fun to send to grandparents), basic chores (probably not enjoyed) 😉
I’ve also found quite a few ideas on Pinterest. We are going to try making Shrinky Dinks when I’m done collecting the right plastics. There is also a neat hula hoop weaving project. I was thinking of having some “kits” made up and ready to go for this summer and next year. That should help me when I’m panicked about what to do next!
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.
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!