Woodworking Education for Kids.

A guided program for kids to learn the skills of handtool woodworking

In 1892 Otto Saloman published his Teacher’s Handbook of Sloyd to explain why it is so important for children to learn skills such as woodworking. As he said “It’s purpose is not to turn out carpenters but to develop the mental, moral and physical powers of the child.” Even in 1892 there was a concern that children were losing touch with the natural world due to technology. Ancient City Craftworks, inspired by Otto Saloman, has developed a woodworking curriculum for children staying true to the principles of Sloyd but updated for today’s kids.

What is the best age to start? There is no hard and fast rule. Generally we find 8 years old is appropriate however the parents need to assess their child’s readiness. Can they stay on task if the work is interesting? Can they follow instructions and work safely? You as the parent/ gaurdian are the best judge of their abilities. If in doubt consider signing up for a single class to make a trivett.

Method of Learning.

  1. Project Based: Learn by completing useful projects. The projects are intended to be used either in the home or in play. If the project is given as a gift it is especially encouraging to the young woodworker to see the gift in use.

  2. Increasing Skill Levels: Each new project introduces a new skill. The student will have a chance to practice the new skill before using it on the project

  3. Increasing Complexity: With each new project the student will be faced with new challenges to solve, a greater demand for accuracy, and be presented with more complex designs.

  4. Self Paced: Different students will progress at different rates. The young woodworker is taught to gauge success based on their own accomplishments and not judge their progress compared to others. The young woodworker is given individual instruction and guidance as each student may be on a different project.

  5. Independent: The young woodworker is watched closely but it is expected that they do the work themselves. Instructors and parents should not touch the student or their project except to prevent injury. It is better for a student to make mistakes, even if it ruins the project, than to have an adult guide their movements. It is to be expected that young woodworkers will make mistakes and may have to start over. Mistakes are learning opportunities and nothing to be ashamed of.

The Apprentice

As a new woodworker we start at the Apprentice level. The focus is learning to use the tools in a safe and effective manner. We cover the basic skills of measuring, sawing, drilling, glueing and nailing. The projects are desinged to be completed in one session, but since they work at their own pace, the young woodworker may need additional time to complete or redo a project. Age also plays a part since an older child can master skills faster than a younger. But don’t worry, as long as your young woodworking is working on the projects you will not be charged for additional sessions.

Projects:

  1. Trivett

  2. Coasters

  3. Coaster Holder

  4. Lidded Box

  5. Swivel Lid Box

  6. Tool Box

  7. Flower Pot Cross

  8. Desk Organizer

  9. Utensil Caddy

  10. Foot Stool

The Journey.

Taken from the old title of Journeyman, the Journey gives your young woodworker the opportunity to learn more complex joinery such as dove tails, miters and rabbetts. Projects highlight their growing skills and take on a more finished look. Previous projects were all completed in pine but now harwoods will be introduced in selected projects. Because the projects are more complex it may be a challenge to complete them in 10 weeks but, just as with the Apprentice, you will not be charged for extra sessions. Your woodworker should complete the Apprentice program before joining the Journey.

  1. Try Square

  2. Marking Gauge

  3. Carved Pencil Tray

  4. Hat/ Coat Rack

  5. Serving Tray

  6. Dovetail Box w/ Hinges

  7. Picture Frame

  8. Sliding Lid Box

  9. Mitered Corner Box w/ Contrasting Wood

  10. 10

The Joiner: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

A Joiner is someone who has mastered the basic skills of woodworking and can work more independently. In this series there are fewer projects since projects will take multiple weeks to complete. Students are given more freedom in the design and execution of the piece.

Projects:

  1. Stool

  2. Book Shelf

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

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