By Lorna McMaster
Harrisville Designs
www.harrisville.com
PO Box 806
Harrisville, NH 03450
603-827-3333
WoolWorks! Teaching to the Standards with Fiber Arts is a curriculum guide for
grades 3-8. The ring binder format is divided into 12 tabbed sections, each containing
one lesson. The lessons cover a wonderful variety of topics related to fiber
arts, such as the history of sheep, the science behind wool, simple machines
(spinning wheels), knitting, felting, braiding, and more. Each section ties in
relevant historical events related to textiles and fiber arts. It was fascinating
to learn the "whys" behind how various sheep breeds were developed and made their
way to the parts of the world they live in today. The book explains how wool
and related products have played a significant role in the world economy throughout
history. The importance of fiber arts as art by different people groups throughout
the world and throughout history is also covered.
Several of the lessons include hands-on project ideas. The supplies for these projects are available as kits for separate purchase from Harrisville Designs, or the supplies can be assembled from other sources. Some of the projects cover introductions to knitting, felting, weaving, braiding and more. The projects are geared towards use in a classroom but could also be done on a smaller scale in a homeschool setting. Instructions for the projects are very detailed and clear. The teacher need not have previous experience with the topic in order to effectively lead the project. A detailed Appendix links the lessons in the book to the National Standards for Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. An extensive list of fiction and non-fiction supplemental books is also included.
WoolWorks! Teaching to the Standards with Fiber Arts offers a rich look at the role of fiber arts in our world. I found the information to be fascinating and can't wait to use more of the lessons with my children over the coming year. If you or your children have a love for fiber arts or are simply looking for something interesting to add to your homeschool year, I recommend you take a look at WoolWorks!
Product review by Whitney Dunahee, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, August 2010
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