The Learning Brain

The Human Knot: A Versatile Metaphor

Today I did the human knot with three of my classes. The kids loved it. We’re about 2 weeks into the term and I think the physical closeness was a big step in their bonding as a crew. 

For two classes (design) I used the knot as a metaphor for how to work together on group projects. 

For the other class (Art 1 foundation) we examined the emotions that different stages of the untangling knot could represent (we’re exploring the emotional qualities of line and color). Then I improvised and had them form the circle with every other person facing the opposite way and link hands (normally this is the end-result of untangling the knot). They then had to tangle themselves into a knot. Once there I asked them to find their way back to the circle. 

Interestingly, it took more (patience, creativity, strategy, time) to arrive at the circle from the knot than to arrive at the knot from the circle. We thought back to the emotions that we had labeled the knot with and extended the metaphor. They arrived at great conclusions: that it’s more of a challenge to arrive at harmony and balance than to fall into disorder, and therefore its worth setting it as a goal. That it’s easy to get confused and frustrated, but it takes cooperation, self-discipline, and strategy to achieve focus and peace. 
I’m very pleased with the outcome of this experiment! They made connections that I couldn’t have foreseen if I had planned it.