As I posted before, in the last three weeks we've begun to learn knot-tying at home on Wednesdays, and the kids have had a blast learning.
Here are the knots we've learned so far this year. (Joely's even learned all of them except 8-10.)
- overhand knot (single, double, triple, etc.)
- slip knot
- basic noose
- bowline
- clove hitch
- square (reef) knot
- round turn and two half hitches
- handcuff knot (very useful when playing cops and robbers!)
- draw hitch (Highwayman's hitch) (I've ALWAYS wanted to learn this one)
- transom knot
I've been attempting to teach some basic knots that may be useful to the kids in the future. We've done basic loops, hitches, and binding knots. I'm just now getting to the point where I'm having to wade through the plethora of knots to figure out exactly what knots I'll teach next. I'm thinking bends may be in our future—but which ones? Any suggestions?
I just love your homeschool posts. You seem like such a fun mom and teacher to your kids. You are so inspiring to me…
Actually if my picture would have been better you would have seen that it is still shrink wrapped! I got it for free from somewhere… maybe HSLDA. I would like to start it soon as we have struggled with history/ social studies all year. Come to think of it we struggle with history every year :). I am always trying to find something that we can all do together but my older one seems to know it all already, and I lose my little ones to a state of confusion. All that to say I hope to start it up in the next few weeks depending on how dh's surgery goes and how much time I will spend taking care of him. I'll let you know when I get to it!
I know this is an old post but I'm new to your site. I worked in the sailing industry for 13 years and have been around the water my whole life. My favorite knot book is the "Klutz Book of Knots". It's made out of hard card board, has holes on the cover that you lace the line through, directions for several knots and it comes with the line. It's a terrific teaching tool especially for tiny hands. Everyone can make knots with it!
I like that you took time out once a week to teach something so practical. My son is not a boyscout but I think this something I will do with him. There are so many things you can do with knots. He has no sibblings so he won't be tying anyone up with the handcuff knot. :o) Thanks for the great suggestion for fun.
K