December 29, 2005

SCHOOL SCENEin Almaden Valley

Knitting isn’t just for grandmas any more

Pat Alexander, a first grade teacher at Holy Spirit School, recently organized a community service project teaching students in grades five through eight how to knit. But the students weren’t just making scarves for themselves. They used 40 squares to create a colorful afghan they will present to a local battered women’s shelter in the new year.

Mrs. Alexander (left back row) is shown with her knitting students, proudly displaying the afghan they will donate to a local battered women’s shelter.

The knitting class came about after Alexander read a book last summer where the characters knitted squares for an afghan that was ultimately given to a shelter. She knew that a similar project could be conducted at Holy Spirit School, and at the same time fulfills a need for students looking for a creative after-school activity.

To organize the class, Alexander contacted WarmUp America, a nationwide group supporting schools across America that is forming knitting groups for service projects. Then, she researched teaching methods for knitting and made an instructional booklet to help the class learn knitting basics.

The knitting group learned new skills and had fun at the same time. They met once a week and occasionally had a “guest” teacher helping and joining in the fun. The girls got to talk, listen to music while they knitted, and enjoy a snack provided by Alexander. Hours spent knitting also counted towards the school’s community service requirement. Nana, the mother of eighth grade teacher, Mrs. Collins, crocheted the squares together into a warm afghan.

The project was a huge success.

The 12 students who have mastered a new craft include Jacquelyn Pass, Rachel Smith, Zoe Sanchez, Paloma Chavez, Allie Piunti, Heather Every, Sara Kennedy, Kathryn Stephan, Emma Harris, Ann Nakamura, Madison Balanay and Haley Koren.

Session two of the knitting project will be held Jan. 17 to April 4. There will be openings for 10 new students sixth through eighth grade. Community members who would like to donate a square (7 inches by 9 inches) are welcome to contact Alexander at 268-0794, ext. 1102 or pat.alexander@holyspirit-school.org.