U is for Unfair, Uncomplicated and Unpicking

Almost there but now we are on to some of the trickier letter of the A to Z Challenge!

Today's post is also combined with

just so I don't neglect my teaching blogger buddies :)

First - my little April Shower numbers - although it has to be said that April has been a lovely month so far!!

I am currently undertaking the A to Z Challenge so I have been busy again this week :)

Unfair- I often hear this from children "It's so unfair" or "It's not fair" when something happens they don't agree with.  I really like this quote:

So this is what I explain to the children - if someone has something someone else wants - would that person want EVERYTHING that someone had e.g. same hair, same lunch, same mum? because that would make it fair getting everything the same - children do stop & think and once again I am so pleased to report that even young children soon learn that unfair does not exist because there is always a reason in MY class why we do not have the same as everyone else and therefore we are FAIR to everyone!!

Uncomplicated - I will hold my hands up and say that I often have to think hard on how I will explain something because often what we as teachers take for granted can be too complicated for some children to take in.  Trying to teach in an uncomplicated manner is difficult at times but we need to try to rethink how others might perceive what we've said and how they might get the wrong message or not understand it.  Seeing these problems before they happen is something we get more familiar with the longer we teach but we always need to be aware that some children may be struggling with a concept because we have not been uncomplicated enough!

Unpicking - I know this seems to be the opposite of crafting something but as many will attest when something goes wrong with your sewing, embroidery, knitting etc then finding ways to undo the things you have just done is a craft in itself!!

A stitch ripper is a very useful piece of kit

I find when dealing with problems caused by sewing machines - e.g. when I managed to sew three layers of material together when making curtains!!!  Sewing machine stitches are quite solid and tight to the stitch ripper allows the thread to be cut far easier than with a pair of scissors.

Using a bodkin needle is also something I turn to when unpicking wrong stitches on tapestry, cross-stitch or embroidery mainly because I sometimes find an ordinary needle will unfortunately tear the thread whereas a bodkins rounded tip does far less damage :)

With knitting I'm afraid I have no special tips - it's just take it carefully back to the mistake and then try to pick up all the stitches carefully back onto your needles!

What helpful hints do you have when things go wrong in your craft world?

Freebie for U is :

click on the button above for this new clipart to keep off those April showers :)

April is a busy month this year with very special birthdays for both my dad and my son :)  I was going to make both of their cards but ran out of time before my dad's - I might still be able to for No. 1 son before the post on Monday?

St George's Day yesterday so lots of red & white flags and stories of dragons - hurray!!