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4-H Kids Sew Summer Series has Greenville County Youth In Stitches
| Name | Elizabeth Hill | | Situation | Parents are looking for structured summer activities for their children to participate in during summer vacations. The 4-H Youth Development Program is a natural fit for structured, hands-on learning opportunities. The 4-H slogan to learn by doing is well suited for youth sewing programs.
In recent years sewing has become a more sought after program by parents and youth. The parents like the practical hands-on skill development. The children like the sense of accomplish and tangible results of sewing classes. Although garment construction has declined over the years, interest has flourished in sewing as part of home decoration and fiber arts; both vehicles for personal expression and creativity. | | Response | The Greenville County Extension office offered a series of youth classes providing an attractive menu of projects from which students might select. Classes included making pillows, beach attire, projects to help organize one's room, creating your own fabric, handbags, a quilt, and personal accessories. In addition, hand sewing projects like knitting and
embroidery were offered. A total of 11 classes were conducted over the summer. Students are able to develop hand-eye coordination as they cut fabric, pin, and sew by hand. They must learn how to operate a sewing machine and to think sequentially as they complete various steps in a
project. Following pattern instructions requires reading comprehension skills. Measuring, cutting and sewing fabrics uses math skills. They must take a 2-dimensional design and create a 3-dimensional object developing conceptual reasoning skills.
Before students could enroll in any of these classes, they had to get their sewing machine licenses by taking a 3-hour class on how to use the machine and practice sewing. | | Impact | Ninety-seven percent of the students reported an increase in knowledge as a result of their participation. Seventy-five percent participated in a reunion sewing class during the Christmas holidays. Approximately 65 percent of those students were still sewing at home during the school year. At least two students received sewing machines as Christmas presents as a result of their interest in sewing. |
Last update6/3/2008
This website is maintained by Kim Dillard.
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