TEACHING YOUR LOVE OF  CROCHETING TO KIDS TEN TIPS FROM THE PROS Helping 4-H members learn a skill like  crocheting can be a real challenge as well as  a gratifying experience. You will find that  some members will master the skill easily,  while others will struggle. Children who are  taught to crochet learn so much more than  just “stitches.” They learn problem solving  and math skills. Their reading, motor skills  and eye-hand coordination are enhanced. It  is an opportunity to develop decision making  abilities and learn skills that can give pleasure  throughout a lifetime. They find an outlet for  their creativity which builds self-confidence  and self-esteem. 6. Showing is better than telling.  Demonstrate the skill that you want them  to learn. 7. Put something in their hands as soon as  possible. Many teachers have found it easier  to begin by giving students a hook with a  few rows of crochet completed. Students  learn the basics more easily and then go  back and learn foundation chain, which can be tricky for beginners because of their tension. 8. Children need a sense of accomplishment.  Provide them with frequent progress  reports. 9. When a child is having difficulty with a  skill, show an alternative, if possible. 1. KEEP IT FUN! Your young students must  enjoy what they are doing. Let them see that  you are having fun. 2. Have a model to display of a project  so your students can see what they will be making. 3. Select simple projects that will interest your  young students. 10. When teaching teenagers: 4. Keep the lessons short to accommodate  the short attention span of children. 5. Don’t expect perfection. They are trying.  That is what is important. Praise them! Find  something to compliment: 1 • “I like that yarn color!” • “You have been a good listener today!” • “I like the way you are holding your crochet hook!” • REMEMBER KEEP IT FUN !!! • Choose projects that can be completed quickly • Use brightly colored yarns • Have extra supplies on hand • Do not “dumb down” your instructions, but recognize their interests are different. • Treat them as adults not like “large children.” • Choose projects that match their interests. • Consider current fashion trends.