Handicrafts in the Homeschool — cont’d

The child is only truly educated who can use his hands as truly as his head, for to neglect one part of our being injures the whole, and the learned book-worm who is ignorant of the uses of a screwdriver, also lacks that readiness and resourcefulness, mental neatness and capability, and reverence for labour and its results, which a knowledge of practical matter gives…….

-Charlotte Mason

Yes, we’re still on the subject of handicrafts. As promised, I came up with a list of skills every child should know.

A lot of the items on this list will seem unnecessary in modern times. A lot of people think hand- sewing as obsolete. However, imagine a surgeon without the dexterity to sew .

These do not need to be done in order. We are attempting to train children to become adults that are limitless in their capacity for development.

…. talent is not in-born. but the fruit of training and environment”

Shinichi Suzuki. “Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education.”.

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Hand sewing

Embroidery

Sewing with a machine.

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Origami

Paper Sloyd

Leatherwork

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Knots

Bracelet making with paracord

Make your own rope.

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Crochet

Knitting

Weaving — blankets, scarves

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Kitchen basics

Make butter

Preserve food through fermentation and canning.

Cook over a camp fire

Baking

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Electricity and Electronics

Make simple circuits

Change a plug

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Laundry — Washing. Ironing, folding

Learn to Swim

Learn CPR/ First Aid

Lifeguard training

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Whittling

Carving

Basic woodworking

Basket weaving

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Plant a garden

Composting

Use a compass

Use maps

Build a fire

Build a shelter

Hiking

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Make chainmail

Soldering

Basic car mechanics

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This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Imagine the future project manager that has had the chance to execute the several projects listed above. Imagine the researcher that had to figure out how to learn a new skill from the list above. Imagine an adult that is not afraid of failure because he/she has failed severally while attempting all these projects.

The most beautiful side- effect is the discipline acquired from completing so many projects. A adult that is disciplined is unstoppable even in the worst of circumstances.