Wool felting is one of the oldest textile art forms in the world. When learning to felt with wool, one can connect to not just art but history, science, math and human geography. I want to bring this art form into schools. I want children to learn how to take raw wool and create something that connects them to our ancestors. Without wool felting, ancient man would not have survived the harsh winters of the northern hemisphere. By teaching youth how to felt with wool they are keeping a historical art form alive and connecting to a material that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Young people today need connections to our history by doing. Wool felting keeps fingers and minds focused. Our local schools are facing constant budget cuts to programs and unfortunately, the arts take a major hit when school budgets are tight. As a former high school teacher, I know how challenging it can be to create lesson
plans that are cross curricular. When a child is able to see how a form of art can connect to history, science and math, the child is able to grow as a learner. Wool felting is a folk art that must be taught so that history can stay alive. The science of wool is fascinating and dare I say, magical?! Figuring out how agitation, heat and water can change raw wool into a malleable piece of fabric takes a science mind. Figuring out shrinkage rates takes math skills. Physical activity gets kids up and out of their seats for active learning time. Wool felting takes learning to the next level by allowing kids to design, create and produce an end product that is usable. My hope, by coming into our liocal schools I am able to not just teach but to alleviate some of the stress of being a teacher. If I can help our local art teachers by bringing in an ancient art form, learning standards can be met without the teacher having to attend yet another workshop and advocate of district dollars.