In a Waldorf Kindergarten, the children enjoy learning the art of finger crocheting. At this young age, finger crocheting teaches dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and patience while training both the right side and left side of the brain to work together. And, then there's the joy of accomplishing the project!
Waldorf schools are well known for their handwork instruction, an activity that children in all grades enjoy. Pre-school/kindergarten students learn to do simple finger knitting, hand sewing, and crafts with their teachers, while Grade school students are taught handwork as a Specialty class.
Neuroscientific research has shown that textile crafting, such as sewing, weaving, crocheting, and knitting offers a positive therapeutic impact on brain health and emotional wellness, something that Waldorf teachers have always known.
According to the article, “Why Crafting Is Great For Your Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains” by Dr. Sarah McKay, crafting with others offers: “mental challenge and problem solving; social connection; mindfulness; development of hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and fine motor dexterity; focused attention and thoughts on a task; active creativity; a sense of pride and achievement; patience and perseverance; while facilitating memory formation and retrieval.”