Most organisations generally only have one, perhaps two members of staff who are genuinely interested in 'doing' crafts'. You may be lucky and have more.If this though is the case, think how valuable it would be to use instructions that actually teach teachers how to deliver their projects. How would it be if you could increase the interest level in other non-crafty teachers? It's all possible if you use instructions that take the facilitator by the hand.In this scenario you have to image that reluctant craft teachers are like children! They need to be interested, cajoled and led by the hand to become confident learners first and then teachers.Instructions may need to unravel resistance, in order to re-learn competence. It's a lot to ask of projects, but if you can find some that really are written in a 'no-fail' approach then you're all winners.The right instructions can increase the number of teachers/facilitators you have available at any time.It means no more waiting until Miss Jones comes back from sick leave. With more staff willing and able to follow a set of instructions you multiply the opportunities you have to both grow your staff, and your learners.If your staff are not confident in teaching crafts then perhaps it's time to expose them to a new way of teaching. Chuck out the old projects and bring in some new ones that really are step-by-step: every tiny step-by-step.The trouble with most instructions is that they presume a lot. They presume some ability or motivation. If you want to enthuse your learners you've just got to enthuse the teacher first. And that comes with helping them to really feel confident about what they are doing. But not only once. You don't want them to master just one activity but many.The more activities you can offer, the greater the scope for learning. The group can be exposed to more ideas, more often.Another bonus in encouraging craft teaching is that you give your learners a chance to be taught by a variety of people. People with their own style and personality.As you know, the instructions themselves are only part of the deal. Whilst they might take the teacher by the hand, how the teacher presents the instructions makes all the difference.The trick is choosing instructions that makes the teacher confident at every turn. Everything they could possibly have to know should be presented to them in black and white. Hopefully with a colour photo too (we like to see that we're making!).So next time you're thinking about your reluctant learners think about the reluctant teacher too. Hunt around for projects and instructions that change resistance. Look for ideas presented in a no-fuss style that will make your teachers zing with enthusiasm.It's only in explaining things to others that we realise how much we know - or don't know. Using the right type of instructions as a building block will help you to grow your activity programme, your teachers and your learners.Geraldine Jozefiak is passionate about crafts and their place in education. Be part of raising standards in teaching and learning by using the best possible craft instructions.
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Keyword : teaching crafts, craft activities, teaching, craft instructions
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