The Christopherus Curriculum:
Handwork

The Christopherus Curriculum - Introduction and timeline
The Christopherus Curriculum - FAQ
The Christopherus Curriculum - Science through the Grades
The Christopherus Curriculum - Outline of Grades 2 and 3
"But I Don't Want a Curriculum!" - the DIY Approach
Our Partners

The following is a rough outline of the handwork and craft curriculum as it progresses through the grades. It may well be that as we develop the Curriculum we change some of this around somewhat, add to it and take from it, but we wanted people to get Gracie with a sample of third grade handwork an idea of how the handwork curriculum, like the rest of the Christopherus Curriculum, flows and develops over the years. So please regard this document as a “work in progress”! On the Christopherus Partners page you will find information about Lauri Bolland (whose daughter Grace is pictured to the right, holding a finished project from the 3rd grade curriculum)) who is helping to develop this component of the Curriculum and the other businesses that we are partnering with to provide the kits and materials necessary for handwork.

First Grade

Working with wool – carding, making crafts. Knitting. Seasonal nature crafts. Beeswax. Modeling. Making puppets.

Second Grade

Continuing with wool – using a drop spindle if possible; dyeing wool; knitting and crocheting. Simple felting projects. Seasonal nature crafts. Beeswax modeling. Making puppets.

Third Grade

Native American craft kits; felting projects; simple weaving and sewing projects. Paper folding crafts. Bead loom; friendship bracelets.

Fourth Grade

Making a pattern and creating a 3-D stuffed animal; Pioneer crafts such as quilting; whittling. Making a clay animal. Macramé.

Fifth Grade

Cross stitch pillow with geometric pattern; 4 needle socks; complex star patterns for windows; plant patterned lino block stenciling; batik print. Working with clay.

Sixth Grade

Woodwork – salad spoon and fork; mosaic; further block printing; sewing project such as an apron; moveable wooden toys. Working with clay. Soft stone carving.

Seventh Grade

Knit matching mittens and hat; origami and similar complex crafts; jewelry making; carve a bowl; embroidered pattern using early Christian (ie Book of Kells) or Islamic calligraphy. Pottery.

Eighth Grade

Following a pattern and using a sewing machine; knit a sweater; build a doll’s house or a box with hinges; make paper and a book; carve an animal, make skeletons/bones from clay. Make a doll.

The Christopherus Curriculum: Handwork