Craft Manuals
“How to become expert at saving time and energy without scrimping on essential planning”
Take it step-by-step with our teachers’
Dear Fellow Teacher
Aren’t you just fed up with how long it takes to prepare craft classes?
Whatever they say, teachers don’t have an easy time of it and I should know.
Having qualified as a Primary School Teacher (UK), I’ve spent many frustrating
hours researching, preparing and delivering craft classes that didn’t always make
the grade.
Despite my best intentions, sometimes there wasn’t enough time, enthusiasm or
resources (in the staff bank – or in my energy levels) to make my sessions ones
not to be missed. Perhaps you feel the same way…
Over the years I’ve learnt what works and what doesn’t.
I’ve found out what teachers need
and how they like to see it on the page…
Something that’s easy to read, easy to follow and easy to understand.
About 4 years ago I decided that I’d tackle some of these problems so that other
teachers wouldn’t have to.
I decided that I’d put together a series of craft projects, on different themes, bundle
them together with lesson plans, checklists, notes, glossaries, learning plans,
designs and a whole variety of forms and charts that would be like manna from
heaven for busy craft teachers.
The final result was 2 different themed craft manuals on ‘Metal foil and Pewter Work’
and ‘Christmas Crafts’.
They’re the answer to all that lesson planning and researching
that you have to do for your craft classes.
When I was first teaching I was desperately looking for answers, ideas and solutions.
In my mind I had my own teacher’s wish list that I hoped someone, or some publisher
would look at. Perhaps you have similar concerns.
Could you agree with any of these?
- I’d like a series of craft projects on a theme that gets slowly more challenging
- This will help me to gradually introduce new skills as confidence grows
- I’d like to have all the step-by-step instructions written by someone who’s made the projects (what a novelty) and preferably by a teacher who knows what I need
in the classroom - Please could someone include designs for projects ready to size so I don’t have to mess about with the photocopier
- If possible include background information so that I can read extra information,
if I or my colleagues, feel we need it
- Checklists and learning plans would be a real help as I need to keep these for our records
- I don’t like to ask, but lesson plans are a must. Could you write them in a way
that I can easily understand, so that they tie in with all the other stuff that comes with the projects? - If anyone does manage to come up with this, could you please look at repeating the format with other subjects, because once I’ve found something that works, I don’t want to fiddle around trying other ’solutions’
- If Mrs Santa is listening – could you do one on Christmas?
It seems a tall order but it’s done!
I’ve looked at all those ‘wants’ and have put together a craft manual ‘parcel’ with all
those things inside.
In fact I’ve added to it. Let’s see what you get:
- Notes
- Checking learning
- The Projects
- Diagrams and templates
So what do you get in each section? (click on the links to see a sample of each).
The Notes section comes cram-packed with loads of info on the materials that
you’ll use, where to get them, how to handle them and what to do if things don’t go
exactly right!
In my opinion, it’s an important extra section that gives you stuff that isn’t written
in the instructions. It’s there for those of you who like all the nitty gritty about projects
and materials.
I know some people like to have the option of stuff to read. Those who don’t can
skip it! Everything is stand alone, so it’ll work on it’s own anyway.
Even if you aren’t expected to have them. The 10 Session Plans (1 for each project)
are a brilliant feature as they have all the essential info together on one page:
- Project aims and objective
- Method
- Success criteria
- Resources
- Evaluation
- Notes
The method section includes a numbered list of all the project steps. The Success
Criteria lists how to check that learners are following all the instruction and the
resources part includes all the things you might like to gather for the project.
So, on one page you have a overview of all the basic info you need to help you to
run the project. Those of you who like simple one- page layouts may use this by
itself, whilst others may like to use it with both the checklist, and the project
instructions.
Whatever you decide, you can be sure that everything is covered: how to, why to,
and what to do!
Pages of expert info in one jam packed
bumper manual!
Not only session plans but extra suggestions on how to use them and how they help
in planning and delivering your craft sessions.
Checking learning includes a number of valuable forms and charts.
The first step is to use the Stepping stones Sheet. Use this individual learning
plan to prompt each of your group about what they would like to do, and to record
any help,or particular needs that they might have.
Spending time to fill this in, before you begin your projects, helps you to talk about
and record exactly what your learners need and want.
The Stepping Through Sheets give your learners a chance to say what they feel
about what they do at each session. Much like an individual daily log, there are
sections in which to record feelings, achievements and success, however small.
I always use them in my own teaching. Being encouraged to think about what they
have done really does build confidence. These kind of Stepping Through sheets
are now used in lots of places to log individual progress. They will help you with that
process. Each of the 10 projects has a Project Checklist.
I recommend that you sit with your individual learners and talk about the best way to
work through the 10 projects.
For instance they may like to start with the 2nd project in the book, whilst you may
feel they would be better starting with the 1st, gaining some skills and confidence.
The Project Checklists will help you to work out the best choice for each learner.
And because you haven’t got to worry about researching projects, doing lesson
plans or even putting checklists together, you can just start straight away.
Each manual has 10 projects on a selected theme. We currently have 2 titles:
- Metal work and pewterwork
- Christmas Crafts
Click on each of the projects to see the a finished sample.
- Painted foil bauble
- Tin cracker ends
- Oasis dish arrangement
- Wired ribbon rose gift
- Fabric photo frame
- Red Tricel cracker
- Coat hanger decoration
- Hanging fabric bells
- Glass painted card
- Squeezy bottle cracker
Metal foil and pewterwork
- Embossed foil card
- Embossed foil star
- Painted terracotta pot with stamped motif
- Punchwork decorations
- Embossed foil photo frame
- Pewter place name
- Pewter card
- Pewter brooch/key ring
- Cloisonne coaster
- Cloisonne notepad
The projects have been carefully selected to give you a range of craft ideas that
become more and more challenging. So Project 1 is likely to be easier than project
10, for example.
Each of the projects is fully explained, in clear step-by-step instructions and broken
down into 4 separate sections:
- Introductory paragraph
- What you need + photograph + no of stages
- Separate numbered section instructions
- What next
The top paragraph really gives you the gist of the project and what to expect. It’s
always important to introduce the project, and this bit may give you some ideas on
how to adapt it, or even share it with your class.
I’ve kept the paragraph to a few lines as in most cases, you’ll make the decision on
what to do by looking at the photograph.
Most of the ‘what you need’ things you will find round and about you. Some
specialist materials are necessary, but I let you know what you can use instead.
And the photograph gives you an idea of what the finished project will look like.
The separate sections break down the steps
into bite-sized chunks.
I always feel, when teaching, that giving too much info at once is confusing. It’s the
same when reading and trying to understand instructions.
I’ve broken down the steps to make it easier for you follow. It also gives you natural
breaks as you work, so that there are some logical places that you might stop.
And you don’t have to work out where that is!
Just finish at the end of any suitable section.
How’s that for planning!
For instance, if time is short, work through to a certain stage, and come back to it
another time.
At the top of each of these sections there is a line that tells you the number of stages.
The project then has three separate numbered sections detailing all the things you
have to do. And finally, What Next. Most places that offer educational activities these days
are expected to, or at the least, encouraged to find ways to help learners to
progress.
For instance, if you were working a metal foil project, this section might give ideas
for using other materials and tools. It might offer suggestions on different coloured
foils to use, or bases that might be interesting (such as plaques, frames etc).
With all this packed into one ring binder, imagine how it would help you with
your planning?
and checklists are done for you,
and the instructions are all there.
No more minimal instructions. No more worry over ‘what step did they miss out?’
It’s been written, proof read, and taught, by me, so I know this manual works. And,
there’s not just one subject, but two to choose from.
So when you decide to purchase one you’ll know there’s more! That was you’ll
already be familiar with the layout and how to use it. Why do I say that?
Well as a teacher I understand that using new material can be scary. You’re
probably thinking about the time it will take to become familiar with a new layout.
But think of this. ….
it’s repeated in all the other Teachers’ craft manuals
that follow in this series.
Having the same consistent style really will save you time.
You’ll be confident finding your way around the different sections, and confident in
using the instructions.
So a recap….
Each craft manual has 5 sections on one craft subject including
- Notes
- 1 scheme of work – programme outline
- 10 Lesson plans
- Checkling learning forms including Stepping Stones chart, progress forms and Stepping Through logs
- 10 Project Checklists
- 10 Projects feauring an introductory paragraph, colour photograph and 3
sections on what you need, what you do and what next
- Designs, templates and line drawings as appropriate for each project.
I’ve always been disappointed when the templates or patterns included aren’t the
right size. It’s another thing to have to ‘do’. Well, rest assured, the designs and
templates are done to size so that they match the project they were drawn for!
How novel: – to actually get designs that don’t require re-sizing to 55%! I was never
very good with percentages or photocopiers anyway.
So because I didn’t like having to do it, I thought you’d wouldn’t either. Simple idea,
but a real help when you’ve got so many other things to think about. Take a look at
some of the brooch Brooch designs in the Metal Foil manual. Now, both the planning, and the teaching is easy.
Imagine having all that time-consuming stuff
taken care off. You can get on with delivering
great craft classes where everyone’s a winner!
Yes I know there are two-a-penny craft projects out there on the internet, but can you
use them to build a series of craft sessions? If you’re looking to write a craft activity
programme then single individual projects just aren’t going to do it for you.
You need something more structured, something very practical, but based on sound
teaching styles. Something that’s been proven to work time and time again. And,
best of all, written by a teacher who knows the problems you are having, and the
stress you are under.
Hey presto! Here’s the solution.
So what might you expect to pay for all these answers that come from 15 years of
teaching experience, and vast quantities of tools, materials and project practices?
What would it cost you to go on a week’s course where you could learn enough
about the subject to deliver it confidently and with an understanding of learning and
teaching methods, human psychology and people skills. £1200 perhaps, £800 or
even £450 for a one day crash course!
Well I don’t want you to part with £800 or even £500, even though you are getting
enough material to help you to deliver over 20 teaching hours of projects. Think of
having a supply teacher in with their expert knowledge – at an average of £30 per
hour that would be £600.
No, I’m asking £129.00 +post and packing. And the bonus is that you get a manual
of practically timeless information.
Stuff that you can use over and over again and share with colleagues – within the
same single school/institution (check with us for details of multi use). Think how
invaluable that will be!
Striding (instead of trudging) in on Monday morning for your
coffee in the staff room without the fear of more prep. time!
Decide now to order your copy, and I’ll also give you some bonus extras. Now
maybe that’s being too generous but I figured that letting you have some of my
other goodies would give you a bigger picture of the help that I can offer you.
So here’s what I’ll throw in as a thank you:
- Free Bonus#1 A pdf report “Winning at Classroom Crafts. Drawn from 15
years experience of teaching crafts, you’ll get valuable information on how best
to prepare, demonstrate and teach crafts to your group of learners. - Free Bonus#2 A 50 page document featuring how each project is mapped to the Adult Core Curriculum (Numeracy and Literacy) in the U.K. Use this information to help you with your session planning.
- Free Bonus#3 This will be different for each manual. The Foil Manual
comes with an extra ‘Foil Tags’ double page project and Christmas Crafts
with a double page ‘Organza Card’ Project.
The value of these extras is over £40.00 but they are yours Free with your order .
So order now to tell me which of the two manuals: Christmas crafts or Metal foil and
pewterwork you would like with you as you teach.
Remember that the manuals are designed for single sites only. If you want to use
them in additional places, please contact me for details of our multi-site licences.
I really do think I’ve put together a winning package for you.
Why not judge for yourself.
If you’re not entirely happy with what you see, send it back to me and I’ll give you a
refund. So there’s no risk, except that of passing up on a fabulous craft teaching
offer.
All I can say is “where was this when I needed it“!
Order your copy right now and start planning your free time instead of those
lessons….
Geraldine Jozefiak
The Craft Teacher