Yes, Christine!! I agree!! Quite frankly, I was glad when a particular student, after 3 1/2 years, gave up - I don't think its reasonable that I have to spent all my time sitting beside her to make sure she puts an extra twist on as she goes around a pin after such a long time. Her biggest problem was that she was taking classes in at least four other crafts...when she did concentrate on lace, she could manage reasonably well.
But I do find that I tend to take the "blame" for my students' failings....if they don't do follow up practice, and forget a technique, I tend to think it must be my fault. There is nothing so encouraging to a teacher as a student who wants to learn, will put in a bit of effort in those crucial early days, and who makes progress....its exciting for the teacher to see someone mastering the skills. And I just can't describe my joy when one of my students, after only 6 months of tuition, worked a piece which won third prize in open competition at the local show - she competed against myself, and another lady who's been making lace longer than I, and I was so excited for her sake when she won third prize against the other two of us. That's the sort of pleasure that keeps my teaching. Ruth Budge (Sydney, Australia) Christine Lardner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Almost all my students arrive each week with the words "I haven't touched it since last week". Most have been coming to class for 5 or 6 years, and have completed only a few patterns in that time. They are just too busy. It seems that women have many more calls on their time these days, even those who are retired have so many activities, or are looking after grandchildren. The younger ones work, have families to care for, do pilates(or yoga etc), and do at least 2 other crafts! Although they enjoy making lace they only do 2 hours a week at class. It can be disheartening as a teacher, as I feel they are learning very little, but most seem to enjoy the social side, and sign up each term. I would be interested to see if other teachers have noticed this trend. Christine (Spring-like Oxford) Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies. http://au.movies.yahoo.com - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
