Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Elementary School in need of suggestions re: a "builder"

Mahagogo5 - she does sew, and lately has been doing a lot of that again. As far as knitting goes - I'd need to find someone to teach her, I have tried for years to learn and am a complete failure at it.

Cookie - I like the idea of the mosaic table - she loves patterns and colors, I will have to start looking for a table.

What about pottery? We got dd a battery operated pottery wheel from Michaels last Christmas and the whole family loves it. Caution: it is messy and the batteries are expensive and don't last long. But there is something about having muddy hands that is so therapeutic.
Some other ideas: quilling, paper mâché, build your own computer( dh and dd are planning to do this over summer).

It can be easy or difficult to teach knitting, and that may largely depend upon whether the teacher and learner may tend to naturally favor the same manner of knitting. For example:

- There are many ways to cast on stitches, and different individuals may take to some methods more easily than others.

- When forming knit stitches, there are variations of two basic motions - "throwing" and "picking". Each variation has it's own name. Very simply put, the differences boil down to the division of labor between the two hands. "Throwing" variations involve wrapping (or throwing) the yarn over the needle to form a loop, while "picking" variations involve using the tip of the needle to hook (or pick) the yarn to form a loop.

- When learning how to knit, it can be very helpful to learn the vocabulary for the different methods of casting on and forming knit stitches. There are many "right" ways to knit. Being acquainted with a few of the different methods can help discuss differences rather than thinking "I/you knit funny" or "I/you knit wrong".

Have you seen the vast number of free how-to-knit videos on youtube?

Here is a link to a thread with a theme similar to suggestions for a builder: Protyping supplies...

Crochet is much easier (most of the coordination and action is in just one hand), and there's a nice Klutz book. http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Learn-Great-Projects-Klutz/dp/1570548706

For building: Since he was 4, I've been taking DS to Home Depot and buying (1) scrap lumber from the cutting area, (2) odd ends of PVC pipe and other pipe and tubing scraps from that cutting area, and (3) "oops" cans of paint (color not quite right). All of these can be had for pennies, sometimes for free. I also give DS all the glue/nails/screws/sandpaper he wants. I also let him use our power drill as long as the bit is at least 3/8-inch (really hard to hurt himself), and, with supervision, I let him use a very small power saw that a really cool Home Depot worker helped us pick out (less than $25). I also have a large tarp and let him paint his projects when he thinks they are ready.

He always wears safety glasses. I do the best I can to give minimal to no guidance on his building projects. Some strange and wonderful things have resulted, all of which he loves much more than any kit project I ever imposed on him.

Our neighbors think we are insane.

Have fun with your cool kid!
Sue