"Loom-bonding" sessions and kids

I thought of buying a loom band kit for my niece-cum-daughter Kaye when I noticed that she was feeling left out because each girl in her circle of friends had her own kit. So I scouted the web for one of those starter kits and bought her one with the rectangular rainbow loom. (They're easily available on the market, too.)

Kaye started watching tutorial videos on YouTube, although she had learned the basics from watching her friends do it. Pretty soon I myself was joining in, learning the basic stitches and patterns. I liked it, because it reminded me of crocheting which I liked. (It has the same shape of hook used, you can even use actual crochet hooks.) I thought some were too complex for a six-year-old like Kaye, and that she still lacked the manual dexterity for some stitches and patterns.

The Monster Tail has a more
portable loom that makes it
easier to hook bands. 

Then I bought a Monster Tail kit, and making the bracelets seemed easier! I relearned the stitches and started teaching Kaye how to do her own bracelets on the kit. We became hooked (no pun intended) and sometimes on weekends we would sit beside each other choosing our colors and making bracelets for ourselves or for our friends.

These "loom-bonding sessions" made me realize that this activity (as with making other handicraft projects, I guess) could actually have a positive effect on kids:

• It teaches them to focus. Making bracelets, especially those with more complex patterns or color combinations, requires concentration. Hooking over or under the wrong band or peg at the wrong time would be a misstep that will destroy the pattern -- and you may have to undo and redo the whole thing. Kaye has learned this the hard way, and not only once. Unfortunately, it’s up to me to determine where she went wrong and try to undo it.

• It teaches patience. Making loom band bracelets is a trial-and-error thing. You experiment with colors, for one thing, and may have gone into an inch or two before you realize that they look hideous together and you have no choice but to undo the whole thing. Note, though, that undoing and redoing bands can be irritating, especially if you've been using low-quality bands that lose shape after being stretched. (These show up as loose stitches or "protrusions" in the finished product -- not good!) And -- gah, the time you spend painstakingly separating those colors so that you could proceed faster with a project! Does that sound too OC? 

• It helps them understand patterns. Using several colors forces kids to use their brains in understanding patterns -- which is a lesson in basic math. 

A mix-match of colors to practice patterns and bring out creativity

• It teaches them to follow instructions. As I mentioned earlier, making loom band bracelets is just like crocheting or knitting. There are stitches to learn, follow  and execute correctly. But don't fear. Although kits have their own manuals, there are literally hundreds of instructional YouTube videos that make it easier to make loom band items, whether on the rainbow loom, a monster tail loom, a "fork", or even your own fingers.

Shhh! Kaye is busy
concentrating.

• It improves manual dexterity. Each stitch requires your fingers to maneuver that hook between pegs and bands, while taking care that the rest of those bands do not get undone. A certain amount of hand-eye coordination comes in handy, definitely. This is a plus for adults, too -- it helps exercise our fingers. Take care however, because, like I found the hard way, making several bracelets in a row can cause finger and wrist joints and muscles to ache. 

• It makes for fantastic bonding sessions with friends. Because she now has her own kit, Kaye can now choose to be occupied with bracelet-making on her own, or invite her friends over for a session. They have an alternative way to spend their time indoors when it's raining outside. They even teach each other how to make certain patterns. And remember those classic scenes of a group of women gossiping with each other while knitting? Well, let me just say that during one of those loom band sessions, I have heard Kaye and some of her friends gossiping about -- you guessed right –- those cutie One Direction guys. <Sigh>

• It brings out ingenuity and creativity. Good-looking bracelets are usually those that have attractive color combinations. Sometimes, you would think certain colors would look weird together, but then the finished product reveals otherwise. The secret is in being creative with the color combinations, and the possibilities are practically endless -- or as far as your stock of bands goes. You would be surprised, too, that some kids can make up their own designs, not only for bracelets but for other items such as pencil grips, headbands, rings, and necklaces, without having to go through a video tutorial.

• It builds their self-esteem. With the worldwide loom band craze, a bracelet that is personally made makes a good gift or token. So when a kid gives you a loom band bracelet, especially one he/she made, be generous with your thanks and other encouraging words (even if you don't like the colors, or it's not so well-made, or you don't want to use it). I make sure to be profuse with congratulating or praising Kaye when she finishes a bracelet, especially when it comes out terrific! A simple pat on the back that encourages her to do more and even improve her craft, eh?

• It teaches entrepreneurship. Does that sound too extreme? I base this on the fact that I know some kids who sell loom band paraphernalia. Some even cash in on their personally-made finished products.  

Honestly, I think that all these apply to me, too. Sometimes, instead of watching those "mind-dumbing" teleseryes, I choose to watch instructional videos and experiment with loom bands. Once I get the hang of it, I decide if it looks easy enough for Kaye to learn. Sometimes, however, I find that I quite underestimate her capacity for learning.

A word of caution, though. Heed all warnings about those bands and other paraphernalia. Remember that bands, clips and charms are tiny enough to be swallowed by your kids and pets. Also, if you can, choose bands that are latex-free, or try to smell them because some of those bands have a funny smell especially when they get mixed with sweat. Low-quality ones easily break, or get itchy. I also remind Kaye to wash her hands thoroughly after handling the bands, and forbid her to touch her face or food with her bare hands otherwise. You can't be too careful about lead and other toxic materials in those things.

The loom band craze is not for everyone. But if you find your kid interested in it, then indulge. Who knows, like me, you may find yourself joining in.