Woodworking Education for Kids.

Training the mind through the hands

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

In 1892 Otto Saloman published his “Teacher’s Handbook of Sloyd”, and the companion book “The Theory of Educational Sloyd” in 1907, 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.

Who can benefit from wood working education? The short answer is ALL kids who show an interest. Engaging in a creative process helps kids develop problem solving, attention to detail, patience and hand/eye coordination: all skills critcal to the STEM fields.

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/ guardian are the best judge of their abilities.

Curious what Sloyd is all about? Our Introduction to Handtool Woodworking is a 1 1/2 hour class where the student gets to use many of the classic tools and make a simple project. Held on Saturdays at 9:00AM and cost is $30. Schedule with the button below!

A poster titled 'The Aims of Sloyd' with a list of educational goals for children in handicraft, including developing independence, respect, patience, and physical skills. There is a small black-and-white illustration of a craftwork with the text 'Ancient City Craftworks' inside a black circle.

By Otto Salomon

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

Saturdays starting in November! 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, all 10 projects are included and,as long as your young woodworker is working on the projects, you will not be charged for additional sessions. Cost $250

Projects:

  1. Trivet

  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 or Student’s Choice

A wooden toolbox with a hand plane, a saw, and other woodworking tools inside.
Image of a wooden kid's swivel lid box with a hinged lid, shown open, against a blue background. Text over the image reads "Kid's Swivel Lid Box" and "Easier than it looks" with the brand name "SLOYD".
A woodworking project in progress with a wooden box on a workbench, clamps holding the box, woodworking tools, and wood glue in the background.
Image shows a wooden domino joint along with text describing it as a single dovetail joint handcut woodworking learning handtool SLOYD.

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 hardwoods 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. Student’s Choice

The Joiner

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. Design and aestetics become increasingly important and the students are expected to produce pieces that are not only functional but visually pleasing as well. To accomplish this students are given more freedom in the design and execution of the piece.

Projects:

  1. Stool

  2. Book Shelf

  3. End Table

  4. Chair

  5. Students Choice

Technical diagram of a table with detailed measurements, labeled as Model No. L, Table of W. W. and dimensions in inches and centimeters.
Technical drawing of a book stand labeled Model No. XLVII, with dimensions and parts outlined in black and white.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to make a gift for someone special. Maybe you want to learn a new hobby. Or maybe you just want to create something that will last. Whatever it is, Ancient City Craftworks can help you get started on your journey.

If interested in donating to help bring woodworking the the children in St Johns County click here to learn more.