In this lesson, students will continue on their knitting journey by learning how to make and finish their very first swatch of fabric in garter stitch!

This is a fun and relaxed series of classes to introduce young learners to the world of knitting. I've listed the different sections as one-time classes so learners can easily join at whatever point they may already be at and move on to the next section whenever they feel ready.
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Class structure:

In this class we will be covering how to cast off and make a swatch, then we will knit our own swatch in garter stitch together. As students practice what they've just learned, they are welcome to ask questions or just talk to me or to each other. Knitting is more fun with friends!

If there is time left near the end of class, anyone who wants to can show off their work to everyone. (If they want to show off their knitting, but don't want to be on the big screen, they can step to the side and hold their work in front of the camera.)

I have a Canva slideshow with step-by-step pictures if anyone needs it at any point during class. If students prefer that, I can put it on screen. I also use a second camera focused on my hands, but the slideshow makes it pretty small because of screen space. Students are welcome to refer to either. Just ask and I will focus on whichever they feel helps them most! I will also provide a pdf containing the slides from the slideshow as well as some extra information on beginner knitting in the classroom page after class is over.
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My Teaching Style:

Demonstration and communication are my favorite tools to use in class. Knitting is a very hands-on skill, and I feel this class would work well for homeschoolers and unschoolers, as well as any student who just learns better kinesthetically.

I generally try to keep students unmuted, except in the case of noisy backgrounds, and all students are welcome to ask questions at any time. I do ask that they use the "raise hand" button, rather than calling out, but if there are only one or two students in the class, they're welcome to speak up as they wish.

I also have a second camera, which will be pointed at my work surface, to give students a clear view of what I'm doing. But if they'd like to see it from another angle, by all means, just ask!
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Class expectations:

As is Outschool policy, I do not allow bullying or teasing. Everyone is welcome in my classroom and learning is always something to be encouraged.
I do not ask students to remain on camera for more than the initial class check-in required by Outschool policy, but being able to see will help me help them with the trickier parts of this subject.
If your learner has any unique needs to be accomodated, please let me know! I'm happy to help and want this class to be as fun and imaginative as possible for every student.
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Required Experience:

Before starting this lesson, students should be able to:
     ○ Move their fingers individually
     ○ Use a pair of scissors safely
     ○ Make a slip knot
     ○ Cast on
     ○ "Undo" a cast on stitch
     ○ Make a knit stitch
     ○ Pause in the middle of a knitting project

If a student is not quite dextrous enough to move each of their fingers on its own, they are still welcome to join us. Practice makes perfect, after all! But, if they are not able to use scissors safely, a parent or guardian should be closeby to help them. (Please remember that Outschool policy asks that adults remain out of view of the camera during class.)