Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
​Applied Arts: Crocheting Classes with Niki McNeil            Spring 2021
​Students and teachers must be able to readily switch to online lessons at any point in the semester in order to register for classes. All students must complete a project for these classes.

Crocheting Teacher: Niki McNeil
phone: 269-876-6518
email: nikimcneil@comcast.net
Format: In-person
Ages 10+

Registration with teacher required.

Due to Covid19 and the need for greater social distancing I am raising the age range for my beginner crochet class temporarily. I need to ensure students are old enough to have me talk them through the process of crochet with less passing back and forth of the piece they are working on. I hope to be able to adjust this back down to younger ages for Fall 2021.
Also, for the time being I will not be able to utilize common spaces such as Martin’s or the Library in attempt to keep everyone safe and ensure the least risk possible. I will continue to teach in South Haven at First Baptist Church as I am able to use a space not being shared by others and bring in my own table and chairs. I will also be holding classes within my home in Coloma. Please note I have friendly cats and dogs, if your student has severe allergies it might be best to pick a different location for this semester, if your student has a fear of dogs I can keep them separated please just let me know ahead of class time. When weather permits, we will meet outside.

Spring Classes will run for 13 weeks with a week off for spring break. Starting the week of Jan 17th and ending the week of April 25th. Please note classes sizes are kept small so please email your location preference quickly after or even before registration opens.
 
South Haven Location
All Crochet Levels- Wednesdays 1:15-2:30
 
Coloma Location
All Crochet Levels- Wednesdays 4:45-6pm


Basic Crochet 101
Description:This class will be focusing on furthering your talent as a crochet artist or helping you become one. This class is project based, with each project advancing your skills in crochet. Each student will then be turned loose to work on the project at their own pace, some students will complete 4+ projects per semester while others may only finish one.  I will help students master reading patterns, understanding graphs and adapting patterns based on what they’d like to create. This class will be learn-at-your-own pace so that each student can excel at their natural ability without becoming frustrated. No at home time is required (though it will not be discouraged!) We will be doing unique projects so students are encouraged to repeat the class and gain mastery of new skills.
Most students like to have their own set of crochet hooks and yarn, though not required. We will go over types of hooks and yarn during our first week so please wait to purchase anything until after that.
Syllabus


Intermediate Crochet
​Description: We will be focusing on furthering your talent as a crochet artist. This class is project based, with each project advancing your skills in crochet. Each student will then be turned loose to work on the project at their own pace, some students will complete 4+ projects per semester while others may only finish one.  I will help students master reading patterns, understanding graphs and adapting patterns based on what they’d like to create. This class will be learn-at-your-own pace so that each student can excel at their natural ability without becoming frustrated. No at home time is required though for intermediate students I do request they spend time each week working on their project. We will be doing unique projects so students are encouraged to repeat the class and gain mastery of new skills.
Intermediate students will have unique projects, different from the beginner students but I hold all levels together as I have found the students really encourage each other. Students who struggled to learn 2 semesters ago show the new students that it can be mastered and just how far you can come in a year with practice. The beginner students struggling show remind the intermediate students of a major accomplishment they have made. It’s a win/win for all involved.  Your student is ready for the intermediate level as soon as they are confidant in the basic single crochet stitch and completing 2+ projects a semester in the beginner level courses.
Syllabus


Mom and Me Crochet
Description: This is the perfect option for students who struggle with new concepts or are in the K-3rd grade range. While these students could realistically learn on their own, their growth and success will skyrocket if someone else in the home is learning alongside them. Because this is a weekly class, having Mom (or another adult) learn next to them allows for more practice throughout the week. I have also seen many benefits from these students seeing that even adults struggle when learning new concepts, they often feel we can just pick something up and do it, this class shows them we have to work just as hard to learn a new skill and ask questions too!
We will be focusing on furthering your talent as a crochet artist or helping you become one. This class is project based, with each project advancing your skills in crochet. Each student will then be turned loose to work on the project at their own pace, some students will complete 4+ projects per semester while others may only finish one.  I will help students master reading patterns, understanding graphs and adapting patterns based on what they’d like to create. This class will be learn-at-your-own pace so that each student can excel at their natural ability without becoming frustrated. No at home time is required (though it will not be discouraged!) We will be doing unique projects so students are encouraged to repeat the class and gain mastery of new skills.
Most students like to have their own set of crochet hooks and yarn, though not required. We will go over types of hooks and yarn during our first week so please wait to purchase anything until after that.
Syllabus

*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.
 
​Teacher of Record:  Lisa Van Plew-Cid