About The Workshop

Woodworking with young children is a lost art.  Many educators cringe at the word and may visualize lost limbs, flying hammers and never-ending incident reports. Certain others may get excited at the idea of woodworking but are unsure of how or where to start.  Get past the fear and join us in this workshop to find out how to make it happen. Discover how woodworking applies math, problem-solving, fine motor and social skills, while fostering creativity and imagination. This workshop will review: the importance of woodworking, how and where to start, tools to use, tools to avoid, safety protocols, and a number of hands on activities to bring back to your centre.

Learning Outcomes

1. Learning  how to use tools appropriately and safely for the age, size and development of preschool children.  We will explore the following tools: hand saws, hand drills, hammers and vegetable peelers as whittlers.
2. Transforming  new skills gained into realistic woodworking projects for young children.  Participants will sample a variety of inspiring woodworking projects including: wood creatures, nail boards, peg boards, beading, wooden cars, stick people, and mobiles.
3. Identifying  the types of wood, nails, and tools needed to support success and safety when engaged in woodworking activities with young children.
4. Enjoying  the process of creating something from something else through the use of real tools.
5. Building  and setting up your own woodworking centre. This can be done inside or out. Learn how to set up a functional, designated workspace that considers safety and success measures.