Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
All students must complete a project for these classes.
Applied Arts: Crocheting Classes with Niki McNeil Spring 2025
- Crocheting Teacher: Niki McNeil
- 269-876-6518 nikimcneil@comcast.net
- Location: Coloma, address and additional details given upon registration with instructor
- Format: In-person, (online and flexible also available for Mom and Me)
- Grades 2-12 (1-12 for Mom and Me)
- Classes begin the week of January 13th
- Registration with teacher required. Please see class syllabus for more information.
Basic Crochet 101
Basic Crochet 101
Mondays or Wednesdays in *Stevensville 11-11:55am
Tuesdays in *Coloma at 4:30-5:25pm
Wednesdays in *Coloma at 2:30-3:25pm
Wednesdays in *Berrien Springs 4:30-5:25pm
*Be sure to read syllabus.
Description: This class will be focusing on furthering your talent as a crochet artist or helping you become one. This class is project based, with each project advancing your skills in crochet. Each student will then be turned loose to work on the project at their own pace, some students will complete 4+ projects per semester while others may only finish one. I will help students master reading patterns, understanding graphs and adapting patterns based on what they’d like to create. This class will be learn-at-your-own pace so that each student can excel at their natural ability without becoming frustrated. No at home time is required (though it will not be discouraged!) We will be doing unique projects so students are encouraged to repeat the class and gain mastery of new skills.
Most students like to have their own set of crochet hooks and yarn, though not required. We will go over types of hooks and yarn during our first week so please wait to purchase anything until after that.
Intermediate Crochet
Intermediate Crochet
Mondays or Wednesdays in *Stevensville 11-11:55am
Tuesdays in *Coloma at 4:30-5:25pm
Wednesdays in *Coloma at 2:30-3:25pm
Wednesdays in *Berrien Springs 4:30-5:25pm
*Be sure to read syllabus.
Description: We will be focusing on furthering your talent as a crochet artist. This class is project based, with each project advancing your skills in crochet. Each student will then be turned loose to work on the project at their own pace, some students will complete 4+ projects per semester while others may only finish one. I will help students master reading patterns, understanding graphs and adapting patterns based on what they’d like to create. This class will be learn-at-your-own pace so that each student can excel at their natural ability without becoming frustrated. No at-home time is required though for intermediate students I do request they spend time each week working on their project. We will be doing unique projects so students are encouraged to repeat the class and gain mastery of new skills.
Intermediate students will have unique projects, different from the beginner students but I hold all levels together as I have found the students really encourage each other. Students who struggled to learn 2 semesters ago show the new students that it can be mastered and just how far you can come in a year with practice. The beginner students struggling show remind the intermediate students of a major accomplishment they have made. It’s a win/win for all involved. Your student is ready for the intermediate level as soon as they are confidant in the basic single crochet stitch and completing 2+ projects a semester in the beginner level courses.
Mom and Me Crochet
Mom and Me Crochet
Mondays or Wednesdays in *Stevensville 11-11:55am
Tuesdays in *Coloma at 4:30-5:25pm
Wednesdays in *Coloma at 2:30-3:25pm
Wednesdays in *Berrien Springs 4:30-5:25pm
*Be sure to read syllabus.
Description: This is the perfect option for students who struggle with new concepts or are in the K-3rd grade range. While these students could realistically learn on their own, their growth and success will skyrocket if someone else in the home is learning alongside them. Because this is a weekly class, having Mom (or another adult) learn next to them allows for more practice throughout the week. I have also seen many benefits from these students seeing that even adults struggle when learning new concepts, they often feel we can just pick something up and do it, this class shows them we have to work just as hard to learn a new skill and ask questions too!
We will be focusing on furthering your talent as a crochet artist or helping you become one. This class is project based, with each project advancing your skills in crochet. Each student will then be turned loose to work on the project at their own pace, some students will complete 4+ projects per semester while others may only finish one. I will help students master reading patterns, understanding graphs and adapting patterns based on what they’d like to create. This class will be learn-at-your-own pace so that each student can excel at their natural ability without becoming frustrated. No at home time is required (though it will not be discouraged!) We will be doing unique projects so students are encouraged to repeat the class and gain mastery of new skills.
Most students like to have their own set of crochet hooks and yarn, though not required. We will go over types of hooks and yarn during our first week so please wait to purchase anything until after that.
Create Your Own Crochet Circle
Contact Niki to arrange a class. Classes must have a minimum of 4 students.
*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.
Teacher of Record: Lisa Van Plew-Cid
