Grade 2 Handwork
Grade 2
The Grade 2 student, who is eight years old, is now accustomed to the classroom environment and handwork. With this confidence, new skills can be developed upon the foundation that was established in Grade 1. While students have not mastered knitting just yet, they are now comfortable using two needles to knit and have completed at least one project in Grade 1.
Grade 2 projects continue with knitting with two needles, but a new stitch is introduced: purling! Students learn to knit and purl to make ribbing. The big project of the year is a knitted doll. Crocheting is introduced as well in this grade and the next depending on the class.
A multicolored ball using six colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple in bright undiluted colors is a great Grade 1 or Grade 2 project. How exciting it is to see a long rectangle turn into a ball! Stuffed with wool, this plaything is wonderful for movement activities to support learning and becoming proficient in spelling and math.
In addition to crocheting, the skills in knitting are expanded upon. Purling is introduced and with that, ribbing is learned. After practicing with the multicolored ball, the student is ready to make a knitted doll! These are my favorite Waldorf dolls. I'm always so impressed that children aged about 8 years old are able to made these lovely dolls (not pictured. The photo showcases dolls that are far easier and may be accomplished in Grade 1.).
In grade 2, pot holders and mats may be crocheted as well.
Knitting works to nurture brain development as both hemispheres of the brain communicate through bilateral hand movement, strengthening the pathways.
Working the will through handwork is a theme often repeated through the grades. The holistic approach of Waldorf education means that students have the opportunity through each lesson to strengthen and develop their thought process, their emotions and their will.
Handwork Projects | Grade 2
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Multicolored Knitted Ball
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Knitted Pumpkin
Every fall, we seem to add a new autumn inspired project to our repertoire, and this year we are knitting pumpkins! This tutorial is for beginners, but children and adults of all ages may enjoy this project.
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Pocket Dolly
This pocket dolly is easy and makes a great first project. The original pocket dolly project can be found in Elizabeth Seward’s book. However, I found that unless a child could sew the head, it required a lot of extra effort from the teacher.
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Knitted Octopus
How adorable is this little octopus?! What's great about it, it that it's super easy, easy enough for a brand new knitter. In fact, if you don't know how knit, I walk you through the basics, from one novice knitter to another ;)
Multicolored Knitted Ball
Handwork in Waldorf schools matches the development just as the subjects do. Knitting is one of the first handwork skills that students learn in Grade 1. This tutorial for a knitted ball is very simple, but is best suited for a child (or adult) who is comfortable knitting.
Directions: Cast on 18-20 stitches (less if your yarn is bulky) Knit 12 rows in each color (we chose six colors in the rainbow). Bind off after the last color is knitted. Using a darning needle, sew the top closed and sew the side. Fill the ball with wool and stitch the bottom closed. We used bulky weight Lamb's Pride yarn. We used size 10 knitting needles.
