Bunnies, bunnies, everywhere!!
As part of the Waldorf curriculum that we have chosen to include (a collaborative decision as a family) is the crafting/handwork. Each project is discussed ahead of time to see if it is of interest. This creates a nice balance for our family. Rather than dictating every activity, or going the other end of the spectrum of not making any suggestions at all, we go through the suggested activities in the curriculum and we all have input on the pieces we'll use and which pieces we'll discard.
I suggested us learning crochet (which is part of the Waldorf curriculum for this age), since the research done on child development at this stage indicates not only a readiness for these fine-motor skills, but also suggests that engaging in crochet helps create neuro pathways in the brain that marry the creative, right-brained side with the more spacial/numeric left-brained side. Skills like crochet, knitting, sewing, needlework, and then later woodworking, and metallurgy are all very useful tools for life. A person could do quite a large range of projects themselves with these skills. It opens up their creative juices, fills them with a sense of accomplishment, and encourages independence in life (as they will not need to rely on "experts" as often for what could be a small project they might be able to do at least partially themselves).
The sense of pride DS8 had when he finally managed to complete his bunny was well worth any moments of frustration at the beginning of the task.
Not normally something he would have immediately chosen for himself, being willing to give it a try allowed for him to explore a side of himself that is often underutilized.
The result is an adorable, handmade bunny for our monthly altar/nature table....along with DS8 requesting we try to find other fun crochet projects to do!
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