My last September ’school start up’…my last year to write Individualized Program Plans for all of my special needs students… my last year of signing up for committees.  I am 98% sure that I will resign from my permanent teaching contract at the end of this school year, and so I have begun to think in terms of ‘lasts’. My plan is to resign from my contract but not from teaching entirely and certainly not from the working life.

Balance is what I’m looking for and a position that will be a little less demanding than that of a special needs teacher in an inner city school; one that will allow me to devote more time and energy to my fibre pursuits

And so I find myself reflecting on this question: “what do I really want to accomplish with my students this year, before closing this chapter of my working life?”

Above all  I want to help them  develop a sense of mastery and competency for their future.  I want them to believe they have something valuable to contribute to the world.

To accomplish this, in addition to mandated curriculum, I’ll continue to teach my students to knit.  As the stitches come together on their needles they’ll learn the value of perseverance and patience.  When they bravely take on new knitting projects, they’ll add to their skills and become more willing to take risks in front of others. Knitting side by side with students from throughout the school they’ll feel included, competent and valued. 

The lessons inherent in this age old craft are numerous.  Putting knitting needles into the hands of my students gives them the opportunity to create something truly theirs as well as to express their generous spirits by making gifts for others.  They love this! Last Christmas my classroom was turned into a daily noon hour knitting club as students worked to finish gifts before the Christmas break. Every gift was completed by the last day and the excitement on their faces, knowing they had a truly thoughtful gift to give to a family member, was worth every sacrificed moment of my lunch hour.

Incorporating my love of knitting into my teaching has allowed me to bring an important part of myself into the classroom to share with my students.  Once I’m no longer teaching full time I’m certain I’ll volunteer with school knitting clubs for a long time to come.

Posted in classroom, knitting