Learning about Fibres in Class Three

The Farming Main Lesson in Class Three allows for hands-on experiences which provide children opportunities to learn about the rhythms of the earth, the role of the farmer, and the cycle of seed to harvest. It is within this context that we also introduce the study of fibres; wool, cotton, flax – as an essential extension of our exploration of the natural world and human industry.

Teaching fibres offers students a meaningful connection between the natural materials of the earth and the clothes they wear every day. They learn not only that wool comes from sheep or cotton from a plant, but also how these raw materials are transformed through human skill, care, and creativity into something useful. In doing so, they begin to appreciate the great effort that goes into items of their daily lives. A jersey, for example, is the result of shearing, carding, spinning, dyeing, and knitting. Each step of this process becomes an opportunity for the children to engage with purposeful work and to take joy in creating something from start to finish.

This work also serves a deeper pedagogical purpose. Learning about fibres teaches children patience, perseverance, and respect for manual processes in an age dominated by instant results. It strengthens their fine motor skills, fosters a sense of rhythm and coordination, and nourishes their growing will forces. Whether washing raw fleece, carding wool, or spinning yarn with a drop spindle, the children are engaged in sensory-rich, grounding activities that bring them into harmony with their own bodies and the natural world.

Furthermore, the fibre component of the farming lesson encourages reverence for the animals and plants that provide us with fibres, for the people who have handed down traditional skills over generations, and for the quiet artistry that lies in even the most humble handcrafted item.

These are qualities that nurture gratitude and deepen the child’s sense of connection and responsibility toward the world.

To meet the children as they try to navigate the nine-year change, the Fibres Main Lesson helps children understand their place in a living world—where people, animals, and nature are all connected through cycles of giving and receiving. It is about cultivating wonder, appreciation, and the ability to participate meaningfully in the world.

Kath Kelly