By Kathryn Coulibaly
Fort Lee Middle School teacher Kimberly Bouchard says she was just “along for the ride” when one of her students came up with the idea for an after-school craft club.
“My student, Carolina Perez, approached our guidance counselor about the Yarn Crafters Club,” Bouchard recalls. “Carolina wanted a place where students could practice the crafts they enjoy, such as crocheting, knitting, using looms and making friendship bracelets.
“In addition, they wanted to teach students who were interested in those crafts and learn some new things,” Bouchard continues. “The school counselor had her write up a proposal and find at least 30 students who were interested. He asked if any teachers would be willing to lead the club. I enjoy crocheting and agreed to supervise. While I suggested craft ideas, the club participants and our enthusiastic president, Carolina really had many of their own ideas for what they wanted to do. Carolina has since graduated, but the club has continued to flourish.”
In the beginning, the club relied on donations of yarn, needles and other materials. Bouchard also purchased many items out of her own pocket.
“Fortunately, a little yarn goes a long way,” she says.
During the first two years of the club, participants created Yarn Club Christmas tree, which was decorated with scarves. The scarves and hats we made and collected from the student body were then donated to a local women’s shelter. Members also made heart key chains and holiday trees. For April Fool’s Day, they yarn-bombed a bench outside the library. Yarn-bombing is the practice of covering objects with knitted or crocheted yarn to add color, warmth and whimsy.
“The club is inclusive to everyone who would like to participate,” Bouchard says. “No prior knowledge is necessary. One of the best aspects of the club is it is a safe space for students to socialize and bond over learning a new skill. Students are drawn to the club mainly because we hang out, talk, listen to music and learn something fun.”
The club meets every other Friday and there is a different craft each month.
“We have teachers who like to drop in and either teach a skill or learn for the students”, Bouchard says. “It is a nice role reversal to see a student showing her ELA teacher how to make a baby blanket for her first grandchild.”
Bouchard uses the club to not only explore new craft skills, but also to celebrate the school’s multicultural community. She plans to do projects for Native American Heritage Month, Black History Month and Chinese New Year, introducing students to traditional crafts associated with those cultures.
Hipp Foundation grant funds materials
In 2024, Bouchard applied for a $750 grant from the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation to fund materials for the club. The grant helped fund more resources and purchase more materials for the students and will hopefully enable them to produce items they can sell to fundraisers for the club.
Counselors at the school recommend the Yarn Crafters Club to students who feel socially awkward or isolated. When the yearbook photos were taken, the yearbook coordinator told Bouchard the Yarn Crafters Club had the most students attending. “There was clearly a need for a fun club where students could do creative projects,” Bouchard says. “Our other clubs are for athletes, musicians and academics. This is for the students who don’t fall into those categories or maybe just want to do something different that allows them to socialize at the same time.”
Kathryn Coulibaly is the associate editor of the NJEA Review and provides content and support to njea.org. She can be reached at kcoulibaly@njea.org.