Knots are an imperative part of Camp Manito-wish. Campers use them on “trail” for bear hangs, to tie down tents, and secure boats. They are also used in the Leadership program when scaling the climbing wall, belaying on the ropes course, or collaborating to escape from the “human knot”. And we use them In-Camp when making friendship bracelets in the craft shop or double knotting our close-toed shoes before playing a game of capture the flag.
Knowing how to tie different knots is a necessary skill – they are everywhere, but not always easy to learn. When you practice tying a knot you are also practicing patience, tenacity and problem solving. We all learn different! So as teachers, there are ways to make any simple or complicated knot less confusing:
- Know the knot: Know it well yourself so you are confident and concise while teaching.
- Recognize there are many different ways to learn: Some people learn by listening to the content (auditory learners). Others learn by seeing it done (visual learners). And some learn by doing it themselves (kinesthetic learners). Typically we are a combination of the three.
- Cater to all three learning styles: I recommend the “Tell, Show, Do” teaching method:
- Break down the knot into basic steps, and then talk through each step.
- Show each step while also telling your students how to do them.
- After doing a demonstration, have your students try doing it themselves.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 as you all practice together.
So, grab a piece of rope. Lets learn the Bowline!
-Laura Hume, Staff Recruitment Coordinator