LATI Session 14: Proposed Program (We did this program last year and we are doing it again

this January) Knitting With Kids While the proposed program may seem at first to fit only a very specific need, it will in fact serve to support many different needs of the children in our community. The two-part series will begin with a brief talk covering the use and development of textiles throughout history. Children will be encouraged to read tags on various textiles in their homes and become more knowledgeable of the materials used in these everyday objects. Science equipment will be used and various scientific concepts covered as participants use magnifying glasses to more closely observe various textiles and describe the animals, plants or potentially synthetic materials that are used as the raw material for their production. The focus of the program will be on the fundamentals skills needed to knit rather than on the completion of a final project as the goal is for children to be able to understand the basic building blocks needed to become a successful knitter. By starting with a simple finger-knitting technique, children will get a feel for the yarn and how the stitches are formed before using knitting needles. As children become comfortable with this finger-knitting technique, they will move on to using knitting needles keeping in the mind the basic steps to knit stitch: insert the needle, wrap the yarn, pull through the loop, pull off the new stitch. We will use this rhyme to help children remember the motions, In through the front door/Around the back/Out through the window/ And off jumps jack. This program is important because it will help children with their fine motor skills and will improve dexterity. The creative expression of all fiber arts is rooted in a great oral tradition of handing down these crafts from generation to general and will be rewarding for children to learn the patience that goes into producing their own unique and functional piece of art. This program supports habits of STEM education, such as engaging in inquiry and investigation. After learning that yarn and textiles are made from different materials, children may be prompted to seek the answers to their many questions about these materials and processes. Children will have to count their stitches and rows, which reinforces their basic math skills. This program supports many different sections of standards from the state curriculum including art, history (and cultural) and math. It is also entertaining and gives the library the opportunity to market related materials. Potential community partners include any craft stores in the area that could donate materials, including a local store in Chesapeake City. To set up this event we will put up tables and chairs in our meeting room and distribute materials. To evaluate this program we will distribute paper evaluations to children and their parents. We will also listen to children throughout the program as they make comments that could be used for gauging their interest and other evaluative aspects. Our librarys mission includes providing lifelong educational and cultural opportunities for all. When conducting Knitting with Kids we are supporting one segment of our population (grades 3-6) and inspiring them in a skill that could be useful for the rest of their lives. They may even teach someone else

they know which is lighting a spark that will reach into the furthest corners of the community, some we may not have otherwise reached.

PRESS RELEASE
301 Newark Avenue, Elkton, MD 21921 Phone: 410-996-1055 Fax: 410-996-5604 http://www.cecil.ebranch.info

Date: 12/27/12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Catherine Zang, Library Associate-Elkton Childrens Department 410-996-5600 x482 czang@ccplnet.org Cecil County Public Library conducts Knitting with Kids Program Join librarians at the Elkton branch of Cecil County Public library on January 16 and 23 for Knitting with Kids. Children will learn the basics of knitting in this two-part series. Materials provided, but feel free to bring your own. For children in third through sixth grades with a participating adult. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required, please call 410-658-4025 ext. 482 or register online at http://www.cecil.ebranch.info. Participants attending this program can expect to learn skills which support habits of STEM education, such as engaging in inquiry and investigation. This program supports many different sections of standards from the state curriculum including art, history (and cultural) and math. This program not only supports the schools curriculum, but also each childs personal development. This program will help children with their fine motor skills and will improve dexterity. The creative expression of all fiber arts is rooted in a great oral tradition of handing down these crafts from generation to general and will be rewarding for children to learn the patience that goes into producing their own unique and functional piece of art. ABOUT THE LIBRARY The Cecil County Public Library operates seven branches located throughout Cecil County, MD. The library serves over 50,000 registered borrowers. The mission of the Cecil County Public Library is to provide access to educational and cultural resources for all and to promote individual and community success.