At Black Mountain Primary a spinning wheel stood in the middle of the kindergarten pod like something out of a fairy tale. It had wooden spokes, a big round wheel, and a foot pedal that looked ready to bring an old story to life. But today, there were no fairy godmothers - just a group of excited young learners and a special guest from the Black Mountain Yarn Shop.
Ms. Amie, the yarn expert, smiled as the children watched with wide eyes. She held up a handful of fluffy wool and explained where wool comes from, and the process to turn it into yarn.
The kids passed around cotton balls, pressing it to their cheeks, stretching it between their fingers, and sniffing it curiously. After the demonstration they were able to explore the yarn sitting on a table. One piece of wool still smelled like a sheep, and students were in shock when they smelled it.
“Making yarn is a way for the students to see how touch, sight and smell help us create things, " said kindergarten teacher Ashley Styles. “As an A+ arts school, it’s also all about how to give our students exposure to artists and the careers that are available around us!”
As the students went back into their classrooms still chattering about spinning wheels and soft wool, their teachers knew they would never look at their cozy clothes the same way.
