Editor, The Spotlight:
I was intrigued to read the story, “Stitching Together,” written by Marcy Velte, published Tuesday, March 26, 2013. Costume designer Amelia Dombrowski has decided to implement sewing in elementary and pre-school classrooms. This is a great idea, as the children will feel pride in the work they create and sewing strengthens young children’s fine motor skills.
Dombrowski’s idea will allow children to be creative and imaginative. She also makes a great point in saying sewing can be “meditative.” Sewing is not a common activity and since my mom recently picked up the hobby I am a great supporter of putting it in classrooms because of how challenging yet rewarding the activity is.
Children develop strong gross and fine motor skills through practice and experience. For fine motor skills, it is important for children to get exposed to activities such as puzzles, painting, cutting, blocks, threading and playdough.
Some people may believe incorporating sewing into classrooms with young children could be dangerous. There are several choking hazards and the tools itself could harm young children. While these people might be opposed to Dombrowski’s sewing idea, the children would be under professional supervision to ensure that accidents would not happen.
Sewing, as Dombrowski calls it, is a “learning practical skill,” and can help students progress physically and mentally. It is a better alternative than television or video games and is something students can do in class or transfer their skills to the home. Hopefully her idea stretches far and wide in elementary and pre-school classrooms throughout the local area.
Laura Kirker, Albany