Consider the Presentation
The most common complaint many students in knotting classes have is not being able to see the instructor's work. Some people demonstrate knots with their back to their students and their hands up over their head, so that the students can see from the same perspective as the teacher. Others demonstrate right next to the students — if there are few enough students that all can get a good look.
Don't overlook the value of showing how something can be done wrong. It can be a compelling sight to see a knot that seems secure slip or jam. When showing the Cleat Hitch, show it done incorrectly, with too many wraps and crossovers, and how this compares to being done correctly. If you have extra three-strand synthetic rope to spare, cut it without whipping the end to show how several feet unravel in seconds when the end is not secured.
Invite Guest Speakers
If you are teaching at a place with a repeating venue, like a boating club or scout troop, consider inviting a guest speaker. Many people are glad to talk about their rope usage in their jobs or hobbies. Arborists, boaters, fishermen, rope rescue professionals, even cave divers have interesting things to say about their experiences.
ESSENTIAL
Speakers sometimes have to be encouraged because they may underestimate the value in what they have to share, and you may be surprised at what they recall when you ask them about any exciting or humorous experiences they have had or witnessed.
Use the Right Equipment
For demonstrating knots, try using ropes large enough for people to see. Even fishing knots can be demonstrated with larger rope. Then, when showing tips for how to hold the rope for tying, you can use smaller cordage. It also helps to have ropes of different color — your students will have an easier time distinguishing between two of them.
You might even try those thin, long balloons in different colors — even adults appreciate seeing knots tied with these. They come in diameters as small as 1 inch, and special pumps are available to inflate them.
Since knot tying is learned much better as a hands-on endeavor, you will want to have a variety of ropes and cordage for the students to practice with. You may want to have different sizes for the students to use so that they can practice with a smaller size once they have learned the knot. This is especially true of fishing knots, where nylon fishing line is springy and has to be held differently than other tying materials.
QUESTION?
What is a safe way to cut lengths of rope?
As an alternative to using a knife, surgical scissors are useful for cutting cordage. Tape is a fast way of securing ends from unraveling — a frayed end complicates the learning process of knot tying. For best results, tape the rope first, then cut in the middle of the tape, leaving two taped ends. If you have cut many lengths for the class, you could have the students secure the ends by teaching them how to put on whippings with string.
Here's a list of additional equipment you might need:
Wooden dowels for practicing hitches and tying lashings
Horn cleats for teaching boating knots (cheap plastic horn cleats are available from boating stores and are easily attached to a small board for practicing)
Any other supplies you might need, depending on how the knots you teach will be used
