Grade 1 Handwork begins with knitting. The 7 year-old child begins with finger knitting or another independent handwork skill until the teacher can teach the student how to knit with two needles and in a style that promotes cross body action. There are some knitting styles in which the yarn is held in one hand and never crosses the body's midline. You want to ensure that the midline is crossed and that proper handling of the knitting needles means the child won't tire of knitting before the lesson is over and that the child enjoys the maximum benefit of knitting.

The materials for knitting, as well as all handwork that will follow, are as important as the skill being developed. Strive for using all natural materials, such a wood knitting needles and wool yarn. Wool is preferred in the younger years over cotton because wool comes from sheep and the life forces are stronger than that of the plant kingdom, and the wool's temperature is warmer, especially to touch. Just as wood is warmer than metal and a preferred material in the younger ages, even though both are natural materials. Strong pure colors are preferred over muted colors which contain grey. Bulky yarn and size 10 needles are just right for this age. The students may start their handwork lessons by making their own needles from hardwood dowels and wooden beads for the end.

Just as the materials and skill being learned are important, so too is the manner of the teacher when instructing knitting. In fact, the manner of the teacher/parent is of paramount importance in all subjects, arguably the manners are more important in instruction than anything. An appropriate amount of patiences, encouragement and tack are necessary and knowing what the child needs is a skill developed by the teacher.

The first project a child will do in Grade 1 is to knit a square or rectangle. Once the project is complete, the child will turn the rectangle into an animal shape with the help of the teacher. Out of a two dimensional piece of knitting emerges a three dimensional animal that is stuffed with wool. The delight a child experiences when making this first project is seen in the joy that is expressed. Seeing the child light up is a gift for the teacher and parent.

Once the first project is complete, the child may knit a case of her recorder. Her personalized carrying case will be treasured for years. If there is time for another project, she may choose to knit a multicolored ball, a scarf or a hat (using just two needles, a hat with four needles comes in grade 5).