Woodworking

[Boxcar]

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for preschool woodworking activities.

I know preschoolers do art for the process, rather than the product, so I'm searching for ideas that focus on exploration. Making a birdhouse or a pencil holder is too advanced for my group.

Thanks in advance!

[minimiracles]

When I did woodworking in my prek class we focused in on safety and exploration of tools. We let the children pound nails and saw just for the fun of it and too see what would happen and how things worked. As they advanced we started nailing things together or cutting on lines. They went on an individulal pace. When they cut something they could sand it and paint on it if they choose.
Good luck and remember gloves and gogels (sp?)

[mopar]

I agree. We often let the kids just hammer nails or cut small pieces. Try tying it to math, like the students need to hammer some amount of nails. Or hammer then in a certain shape or letter. Of course, have them or someone draw the shape/letter first.

[Boxcar]

Thanks for the ideas.

I really like the one about rying it in with math. I try to put as many different subjects into activities as possible. i find it more productive that way. Having six different activities to cover all the subjects makes for a long day. But that is going off on a tangent...

I also think that you are right. It would be best to have kind of a graduated skills ladder. I don't want to overwhelm the children.

Once again, I appreciate the replies.

[Stacy B]

Woodworking is wonderful in the early childhood classroom. Just make sure safety is top priority and it is always developmentally appropriate. Make sure children are wearing safety goggles at all times while in this center. Just include scrap wood, hammer and nails (include needle nose pliers to hold the nails to spare hands from being hit), screws and screwdrivers, and a dust pan to clean up the dust! If you feel your class cannot handle the hammer and nails, include tape and glue to put the wood pieces together. (Have the children still wear the safety gear to create good habits.) Also, include markers and paint for the children to decorate their creations.

[Boxcar]

I like the idea of having glue instead of hammer and nails, especially for the young threes. I just don't think they are there yet. Having them wear the safety stuff for glue and tape is something I wouldn't have thought of. You're right. I want to create good habits.

[Diane Lammle]

One neat woodworking idea is called rosembarking, if you would like further details, just send me a message and I will explain further

[MidKnights]

I know I don't like using hammer and nails in my class, because I don't have enough helpers to do that. So instead we have pre cut holes in the wood and we let them screw in big screws and bolts to connect wood. Or use glue with wood clamps.