At this time a year ago, I was in the midst of my sabbatical--I did some traveling, writing, and tackling a new skill: sewing. For many years I have watched seventh graders embark on QED in January and then I am amazed when they present their own personal project at the end of the school year. Crane’s QED (Quests, Explorations, Discoveries) projects are inspiring...
At this time a year ago, I was in the midst of my sabbatical--I did some traveling, writing, and tackling a new skill: sewing. For many years I have watched seventh graders embark on QED in January and then I am amazed when they present their own personal project at the end of the school year. Crane’s QED (Quests, Explorations, Discoveries) projects are inspiring.
QED was started in 2002 by former science and service learning teacher Janey Cohen. Luckily, I have maintained a friendship with Janey since she retired in 2014. As Crane’s founder of QED, she was the perfect person to be my mentor. I have always wanted to learn how to sew, but found the idea daunting. My sabbatical provided the perfect opportunity for me to devote the time and energy to learn how to sew on a sewing machine.
I followed the QED model with setting goals and outlining what I hoped to learn. I accomplished the basics of threading a bobbin, replacing a broken needle, measuring patterns, and more with the help and patience of my mentor. By December, I had visited the fabric warehouses of Los Angeles Fashion District and I had sewed pillow covers, tissue-package covers, and place mats. From my own QED process, I learned simple projects can take a long time, especially at the beginning when you are learning so many steps. Creating something on the sewing machine and having a finished project is quite fulfilling, but I realized there are many small details like the precise measuring and ironing that require serious focus.
Each day Crane students are learning new skills, whether it be second language acquisition, scientific processes, mathematical concepts, or navigating social situations. Acquiring a new skill can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Working in education you are surrounded by a community of learners from students to adults, and what I realized is that it’s never too late to learn a new skill. I challenge you to learn a new skill or take on a challenge as a family. And, I can’t wait until QED night in May when seventh graders share their projects and shine!
Alexis Fischer
Spanish Teacher