I'm Still a Higher Ed Nerd

​Happy Spring!
 
Last month, I told you all that there were exciting changes happening, and some are underway, others are a little….stalled…
 
With Ellen moving on to her next chapter, it forced me to reassess the structure of my staff and teaching schedule. We wish Ellen all the best on her new life in St.Louis. She has missed that city since she moved away and has been eager to return. While we miss her, this has opened up some opportunities for the shop.
 
As you can see in today’s newsletter, we have a whole new slate of classes, with more being planned. We’ve also brought on a new roster of instructors going into spring and summer. This means you all will have the chance to learn from different teachers, with different skill sets and different styles of teaching. 
 
*education nerd alert*

In education, there’s a theory of teaching inclusivity known as Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a theory of curriculum design based in neuroscience research that recognizes that students learn in multiple ways: different systems in the brain affect what, why and how students learn. Successful teaching engages all of these systems. The three principles of UDL are:

• Multiple means of representation-give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge 
• Multiple means of expression-provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know
• Multiple means of engagement-tap into learners' interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation

 
The general idea is that not everyone learns or expresses themselves in the same way, so a single mode of presentation isn’t suitable for everyone. Some people learn by doing, some by watching, some like to read. We humans are a diverse bunch and our brains work differently.
 
*end nerd alert*
 
What does this mean for us? Obviously, a two-hour class has limitations that a full-day, year-long classroom doesn’t, but in the big-picture the basic idea still applies. Let’s say you want to learn mosaic knitting. Really understanding the technique may mean trying different kinds of patterns (charted or written) in different shapes (in the round or flat) by different designers. It also means that if it doesn’t stick for you with one teacher, you may have better luck learning from someone else’s instruction style. With multiple instructors, you have the opportunity to keep working on your skills as you choose, or join multiple classes from one teacher, just because you like them. More teachers and more classes mean more options for you.
 
Because I’m now juggling multiple instructors, you’re more likely to see classes being added on a rolling basis. We’ll settle into more of a rhythm as time passes, but for now check the class schedule regularly and follow KGY on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on classes and products, and to see some fun inspiration.
 
Last time I filled you in on some of the personal stuff I have going on. We still haven’t closed on the house; we’re at the “waiting for the lawyers to pick a date” stage. I HAVE scheduled my flights for my vacation: I will be out of the shop 4/30-5/14. Unfortunately for Tim, this may mean we move and I leave him in a pile of boxes (sorry, Honey!). Some wonderful people have stepped up to cover for me while I’m gone, and I’ll be putting together their schedules shortly, so I don’t think there will be much disruption for shoppers.
 
One last thing; a couple of Save the Dates for you:
4/27: Local Yarn Store Day
5/27: Closed for Memorial Day
6/8: Our Second Anniversary party
 
I’m excited about what the future will bring for the shop and what we will be presenting to you. I know you will be as welcoming to the new faces you’ll see here as you have been to me.
 
Happy knitting!
Kerry