Craft: But Why?
By Reetta Hälvä, G3-5 Homeroom Teacher and Maths & Craft specialist
Ville Minkkinen, Subject Teacher, P.E., Music and Craft
Throughout history, craft has played a vital role in human culture, from ancient artisans creating essential tools for survival to the mass production supported by machines that we see today. Everything has become faster, more affordable, and increasingly machine-made. This raises an important question: why do we still teach basic craft in schools and choose to buy more expensive handmade products? Here are a few reasons why:
Creativity
Craft provides individuals with an opportunity to express their creativity across a variety of materials—wood, fabric, plastic, and more. This multi-material approach nurtures innovation, combining function with art. Craft expands the boundaries of what’s possible, whether by solving practical problems or creating for the sake of aesthetics.
Academic Skills in Action
Craft integrates essential academic skills, such as planning, measuring, cutting, and sewing. These tasks challenge students’ mathematical and spatial reasoning. Turning a flat piece of fabric into a well-fitting shirt, for instance, requires precision and critical thinking—skills that transfer seamlessly to other subjects and real-life scenarios.
Problem Solving
Craft encourages hands-on problem-solving. Students engage in trial and error, learning resilience through failure and discovery. Often, students design things for which there are no ready-made solutions; it’s the teacher’s role to challenge and guide them as they work towards a solution. This type of problem-solving is an excellent way to support students’ self-esteem and belief in their own abilities.
Environmental Awareness
Craft education fosters an understanding of resource management, teaching students the importance of using materials wisely and instilling a sustainable mindset. Younger students learn sustainable practices within their immediate environment, while older students are introduced to the broader topic of limited resources. This awareness is crucial for addressing global environmental challenges.
Self-Management Skills
Craft promotes patience and focus. Projects require time management, the ability to follow instructions, organisation, and patience to wait for assistance or feedback. Craft develops entrepreneurial skills as students learn to work independently, experiment with different approaches, and take responsibility for their own work. These skills are invaluable both in academic settings and in the working world.
Mental Health Benefits
Engaging in hands-on activities can be therapeutic, offering a break from the fast-paced digital world. Crafting allows individuals to relax and concentrate, with the process of creating itself often providing calm and fulfilment. For some students, craft is a much-needed respite from academic pressures.
In conclusion, craft education enriches our appreciation for handmade items and the creativity they embody. While machines enhance efficiency, they cannot replicate the unique human touch that constantly creates and evolves. As we continue to foster creativity in our schools and homes, we embrace the value of craft in shaping a more innovative and mindful society.
