Today we're learning how to finger crochet, which is an easier variation of finger knitting or spool knitting. It's exactly the same as making a regular crocheted chain, only we're using our fingers instead of a crochet hook. The finished chain is similar to what you'd get using a lucet, a medieval device used to make cord and rope:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucet
Wikipedia has a good history of crochet, which you can find here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crochet
All crochet starts with a slipknot of some sort - you can see the technique for making one here:
The technique I'm teaching the kids in class gives you the same result as the techniques you can find online, I just think it's a little easier for the young kids to learn my method. But if you want the "official" way, you can find a good tutorial here:
http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Bracelet-With-Your-Fingers
There are plenty of other crochet and braiding techniques that don't require tools, but I haven't tried them all (yet!). Here are some that might be fun if your child has exhausted the potential of finger crochet:
http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/FEATfingerknitting.html
http://www.stringpage.com/braid/fl/fingerloop.html
And finally, if your child is ready to try spool knitting, you have lots of choices of "spools" or "nancies" to use.
The bottom one is the one my daughter uses. The little arm on the side helps tension the yarn, and the part with the prongs on the top spins so you don't have to keep turning the whole thing around.
Finally, spool knitting is pretty much the same thing as the knitting looms you see at craft stores that can be used to make everything from socks to hats to scarves to blankets. They generally come with directions, and they make great gifts if you've got a child who has a long attention span and an interest in crafts.
