As I am sure you are aware, the first graders are learning all about the basics of wood work.
Children are by nature creative and are very capable of participating in a wide variety of wood building projects, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. Children are also highly competent in producing ideas that work and woodwork and carpentry gives them the opportunity for self-expression.
Word work inspires creativity, confidence and builds self-esteem. Many lessons can be learned from wood building, including follow-through, persistence and the knowledge that the child can build something that can be used for years to come. In addition, wood building teaches a lot about practical mathematics applications, as they must take into account how many nails and screws are needed, how many turns of the screwdriver and how shapes and planes fit together, as well as planning, measuring and how to use kids' tools safely and effectively. Fine-motor skills and the principles of design also come into play when embarking on a wood building or assembly project.
Thinking about the art benefit auction, the children were brainstorming what piece of furniture would be most beneficial for the families at SCOPE Primary. They came up with many ideas, including a bed, rocking chair, stool, and a garden bench. By using the system of voting, the children decided to make a garden bench because the garden is one of our favorite spots to learn and play. They started with building the frame for the bench, pouring cement into the frame, and then painting tiles to add to the top. The next step is to add the legs! With the help of Mr. and Mrs. James, the children's problem solving skills were put to the test when they had to figure out what size pieces of wood would be best for the frame. Through trial and error, the children measured the wood pieces until they found the perfect size.
Above (Left): Mr. James and Marlo drill a hole into the frame of the bench. Isabella carefully observes!
Above (Right): Melania and J'Lyn use a trowel to smooth the concrete.
Above (Middle): The children are using the extra wood and concrete they had to make garden stepping stones!
Another project that they have been working one is making their own peg boards! They love using peg boards in the classroom to practice making shapes, and peg boards can even be used to practice addition and subtraction believe it or not. Through the process, they learned about measurement, accuracy, force, which way to tighten a screw and which way to loosen a screw, skip counting, and most importantly, safety. The children are now onto creating their own designs by using string and rubber bands. J'Lyn even turned hers into a guitar!
Above: Jordan is concentraing so hard when making his peg board. Another student beside him decides it would be best to use a screwdriver to make the pegs tight.
Lastly, we started talking about wood and art, and the children created beautiful portraits of themselves by transfering their picture onto a piece of wood using the basic skill of tracing and the gooey mess of mod podge. They are fascinated with tracing, and many asked to take tracing paper home to practice. This is a skill that many young children often are not exposed to, so investing in a tracing pad is highly reccommended! Also, tracing makes the children focus on the detail of the photo, which will help them add details in their own illustrations!
We are just getting started with wood work, and have already learned so much. I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. James for all their hard work with this project, Mrs. Lamb for donating wooden race car kits, and to all the parents for sending in tools so these carpenters can be successful at their jobs!
- FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
- All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.
