Each One Teach One

So.  Since we last talked you have all taken up some type of hobby and deciphered its hieroglyphics, right?  Now the next step is to pass it on to someone else.  The principle of "each one teach one" is commonly used in re-entry and rehab programs.  Through this method, clients who have made serious progress in getting their lives together are in charge of helping new clients get a start on a new life.  It works really well and some of the most successful programs in world (like Delancey Street in San Francisco) use the principle as a cornerstone of their organization.  Not only do people really respond to being taught new ways in a one on one situation, but also the teacher learns the subject they are teaching much more deeply.

This morning, between bouts  of canning tomato sauce, I did what I do every Saturday. I drove into town and spent some time at one of our local taquerias.  I tutor the daughter of the owners, and this summer I told her I wouldn't stop coming just because school was out.


We've struggled all summer with what to do with that hour or two.  First we played a geography card game, then we did Mad-Libs to help her improve her understanding of grammar, then we devolved to jigsaw puzzles just to pass the time.  This week, though, we upped the ante again.  We decided that I would teach her to embroider.  It was really fun!  Instead of starting her on cross stitching with its special fabric and intricate patterns, I chose instead to simply teach her a few simple stitches: back stitch, stem stitch, and chain stitch.  She loved the thread colors and took to the stitches fairly well.  Here's a bit of her work.

Threading her needle

Knotting her thread

C for Citlali

So many colors to choose from.

She was very proud of her first good chain stitch.

Stitching a heart for her mother!

Tell me about your hobbies and who you're sharing them with!