Here are some ideas of materials & activities we'd use to teach these knots. Each counselor will master one and run that particular station each week.
My vision is that we will hold a Knot Fair each Wednesday from 1:30 - 2 pm where children can have quiet time to work on the knot that is right for them, advancing through the levels according to their own individual pace.
Knot #1
Round Turn
- location - outside
demonstrate with - jumprope
practice with - sidewalk chalk by having the children draw a picture (draw a circle to be the pole, then show how the rope goes around it)
extra exploration - bark rubbings, try experiments with texture and friction (does it stay when wrapped around a metal pole? a tree?)
proof of mastery - counselor observation
Knot #2
Slip Knot
- location - outside
demonstrate with - yarn
practice with - yarn
extra exploration - finger knitting
proof of mastery - finger-knitted belt with nature treasures pouch
Knot #3
Overhand Knot
- location - inside
demonstrate with - wire
practice with - yarn
proof of mastery - bead necklace
Knot #4
Bow Knot
- location - inside
demonstrate with - egg carton and yarn
practice with - ribbon
extra exploration - practice on child's own shoes
proof of mastery - tie a ribbon and bow on a gift-wrapped box
(after they tie and untie the bow, we can open up the box and give them an IDNR Illinois Natural Resources Trading Card as a gift)
Knot #5
Square Knot
- location - outside
demonstrate with - playdough "snakes" in two colors
practice with - rope
extra exploration - tie a piece of rope to a tree, then use a granny knot (two identical half knots) to attach your rope to the end of that rope, pull as hard as you can (the granny knot will slip or unravel)
proof of mastery - tie your rope on to that rope with a square knot and pull as hard as you can (the square knot will be more secure)
Knot #6
Fish Net
- location - outside
demonstrate with - twine
practice with - twine
extra exploration - this project contains two knots; begin by teaching the lark's head knot and then review the overhand knot
proof of mastery - make a net and go try to catch fish in the lake!
http://switzerite.blogspot.com/2023/05/net-tying-in-grade-4-norse-mythology.html
Knot #7
Daisy Chain Knot
- location - inside
demonstrate with - paracord
practice with - paracord
proof of mastery - paracord daisy chain bracelet
Knot #8
Square Lashing Knot
- location - outside
demonstrate with - rope
practice with - rope
NOTE: this project contains two knots; begin by teaching the clove hitch and then introduce the square lashing knot
exploration - build a towel rack (that is strong enough to support the weight of your wet towel) by lashing sticks together OR build a raft
proof of mastery - counselor observation
Knot #9
Bowline
- location - inside
demonstrate with - rope
practice with - rope
extra exploration - water games (have a friend grab onto the "rescue" loop and pull him/her through the water in the shallow Splash Zone)
proof of mastery - teach a counselor (who doesn't know the knot)
Recordkeeping: We can make up a 3" x 5" index card for each child, with the child's name at the top and the numbers 1 - 9 down the side. As they master each knot, the counselor for that station can initial the card by that number.
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Immersive Experience
Immersive Experience