reflections
Mindi Vogel, teacher
This intensive perfectly represents the purpose of our program. Students and teachers come together as learners to immerses themselves into an area of study. Cozy Arts was the study of of knitting, crocheting, and felting. Members of the Polaris community including teachers and parents contributed. Also, students brought supplies and materials from home to share. This spirit of collaboration led to a two-week, student-centered, and student-directed learning community.
If you were to walk in the room, you might see a student working on a research project about the therapeutic benefits of knitting, a student crocheting a hat for a child at Clair House, and a middle school boy making a beanie with an attached beard. You would definitely see students teaching each other and teachers as well.
It is difficult to convey the experience of a Polaris Intensive. Moreover, every intensive that I have taught has been different. However, the spirit of collaborative learning is a common thread that is at the heart of the Polaris Program.
Abbi Seitz, 7th grade
During this intensive I have learned a lot. I have not only learned how to knit and crochet but also interesting and important things about knitting and crocheting. I have accomplished a lot so far and throughout this intensive I hope I will finish and learn even more. I am really happy with a few of my projects and can’t want to make more.
Marlena VanderHoek, 10th grade
I have learned so much in this intensive that I will continue to use- how to knit, to crochet, all of that. This has been the most relaxed and productive intensive I have been in. This time of transition in between break and classes has saved my sanity.
Brady Deal, 12th grade
The Cozy Arts Intensive was a great way to explore a new and creative outlet. I learned that if knitting is too hard, I could op and learn how to crochet, felt, of try anything else that wasn’t knitting. This class had a very chill, relaxed atmosphere that was great thing to come back to after Christmas break.
Caleena Shafer, 9th grade
Learning to knit has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. At first it was difficult for me to get down a basic knit stitch, but by the second day in the intensive I was learning how to purl stitch. Once you have down those basic stitches, knitting can be a breeze. You will have many opportunities and projects you can do. I would recommend learning how to knit to almost anyone.
Tun’aqi Blanchett, 9th grade
In this intensive Cozy Art I remembered how to knit. I had some experience in elementary school and when I actually picked up two needles and yarn, it just came back to me. This made knitting easier for me and helped me get my projects done quicker. Even though I was confident knitting I didn’t pick very difficult projects. Both of mine were easy and a fun experience.
Lauren Page, 10th grade
I have always enjoyed arts and crafts, and I’ve been very fond of knitting on a loom for a while; however being in this intensive and being given the opportunity to learn other knitting styles has really been fun! Although I am a perfectionist I have learned that with knitting I need to take it slow and accept that I am going to make mistakes! So far, I have completed my square for our class’ afghan, I’ve started knitting a scarf and, I’ve completed two hats! I am excited for this week to come to see how much more I will accomplish.
Olivia Folkerts, 11th grade
This intensive has been so much fun! I love the cozy environment and the general fun we have been having. I have now completed two hats that will both be donated to charity. I hope to start working on another hat today and finish it before the end of this intensive. I think this was a wonderful idea for an intensive and hope to do it again sometime!
Katlin Bowers, 10th grade
During this intensive, I have completed knitting an afghan square and a baby bib. For my research project I created a scrapbook that contains the basics of knitting. Throughout this class I have had a wonderful time and learned many skills, such as patiences and focus. This will always be my favorite intensive.