I love it when a-ha moments come from simple moments of delightful conversation. It’s even more delightful when those conversations are compounded and reinforced by seemingly unrelated sources.
One such conversation began at a recent church potluck. Lighthearted, fun, enjoyable. The words spoken planted a seed which grew into an exciting addition in our homeschool curriculum. The topic of conversation? Sloyd. Yes, sloyd. Still feels strange to say the word.
The conversation was not homeschool directed, but woodworking directed. A book about sloyd was mentioned. Crickets sounded in my brain as I tried to remember the word from somewhere, anywhere. Clueless. I was completely fascinated. My brain tried to soak it all in.
After one piece of dessert too many, the conversation faded from my mind. It crashed back into my conscience that evening as I read. A word jumped at me. Sloyd.
The handiworks of Class II. are such as cardboard Sloyd, clay modelling, needlework, gardening, etc. These, field-work, piano practice, etc., are done in the afternoons or after tea.
Coincidence? I think not.
Being a research junkie I jumped over to Wikipedia and Google Books to see what I could find. Sloyd, from the Swedish word slöjd means handicraft or handiwork.
Surely it was more than…handicrafts?? Nothing wrong with handicrafts, it’s just we don’t get along. Knitting needles run from me. Craft glue dodges my grip. Molding clay sits and laughs at feeble attempts of design.
Being undeterred in my quest I stumbled upon The Theory of Educational Sloyd.
You know that moment when the lightbulb comes on? The moment when you go ahhhhh. Yep, that’s it.
Sloyd is more than handicraft, it is a philosoply! I cheered as I read each statement. Yes! Yippee!!
The words resonated with me. Truth. Now, how does one go about achieving such lofty goals? I know the Charlotte Mason philosophy is directed toward achieving these ideals, but how does it work regarding a handicraft. A craft in which I am most defiantly not handy.
Fortunately, resources exist. “Whew!”
By Ednah Anne Rich – Google eBook
It might appear in the first lesson that you are merely making a simple envelope, but trust me, it’s not as simple as it seems. One of the rules of sloyd is to not touch the student’s work. My daughter needs to fully own her designs. My hands off meant no shortcuts were allowed. It’s really hard to not jump in and fix minor mistakes. Sloyd is as much for me as it is for her.
Using the ebook “Paper Sloyd: A Handbook for Primary Grades” my daughter made an envelope then placed a letter inside for a special Daddy gift. She took great delight in showing it off and explaining how it was created…all..by…herself.
Sloyd. Handicraft with purpose, diligence and ownership.
Sloyd is more than paper, it’s an approach. With the concept of sloyd I even grew brave and entered the woodworking realm. I knew when I entered the threshold of the wood shop nothing would ever be the same again.
I was right, wood chips can now be found alongside paper projects-all the result of a simple conversation.
By Anna Molande – Google eBook
