Your Neighbor | Kristen Kelly

Neighborhood: Palmer Ranch
Your neighbor since: September 2013

Kristen Kelly puts a fun twist on the first- and second-grade classes she co-teaches at Waldorf Sarasota by incorporating jump ropes.

Kelly says that including jump ropes — which she teaches her students how to construct as well as use — not only teaches hand-eye coordination, but an understanding of the world.

“Today, everyone wants instant gratification. It’s rare to be a part of a process from start to finish and to see how something works,” she says.

The Long Island, N.Y., native started making jump ropes sixth months ago as part of her class at Waldorf Sarasota.

“It’s a great activity that lets children use their head, heart and hands,” she says.

Waldorf Sarasota is part of a worldwide association of independent Waldorf schools that utilize a progressive teaching style that encourages students to be part of their global community.

Kelly says she learns a lot about her students from watching them make jump ropes.

“Some take their time and observe the process, while others rush to finish it,” she says. “You can find out a lot about who they are while they wind.”

With 50 strands of yarn weighing roughly 4 ounces, Kelly can make a colorful jump rope in 10 minutes.

Although the jump ropes started as an educational activity, Kelly has also been selling them to private customers. Kelly credits her ropes’ popularity to their fun nature.

She says that her favorite part of making jump ropes is watching customers’ reactions to seeing them take shape.

“I think it’s partly exciting to see them come together, but also you can be young at heart,” she says.

Contact Harriet Sokmensuer at [email protected]