The class for kumihimo braiding went really well. We started by working on ideas of measurement. Using our bodies to find an approximate metre length, then measuring 2 each of 4 colours, each 2 metres long. This produced eight strands which were then halved to place 16 strands on the circular board in preparation for braiding. Nearly all of the students completed the braid within 3 hours and some attached them to a keychain fitting.

A couple of students wanted the braid coiled into a circle, as seen in the second photo, which was particularly effective.

This lesson was really one on practical literacy combined with an appreciation of art and the development of an expressive technique. The skills of measurement, understanding verbal and symbolic instructions are important in all work places. So the idea was to introduce these skills in an indirect way…then lead to more direct work skill applications.

By the end of the class, students were readily able to understand the process instructions from a symbolic diagram. But this wasn’t just an intellectual exercise, the braiding gave a ‘real’ quality of experience for concentrating and using the hands to manipulate the pattern.

I was also fortunate to share the teaching with a colleague, Robyn, who skillfully broke down each process into smaller units so the students could successfully achieve at each step.

Teaching is the greatest, most creative and rewarding job in the world sometimes.

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