Woodworker and teacher Doug Stowe brings 40 years of experience and thought to his wonderful The Guide to Woodworking with Kids, a book for those who recognize that young brains learn best through hands-on activities. Valuable to both experienced and prospective instructors, Stowe’s book provides the foundation on which to build a whole program or a single project. It includes basic knowledge about hands-on instruction, as well as valuable teaching methods, effective project types, and critical tools. Built on historical examples, personal experience, and contemporary pedagogy, the book revolves around tools: workbenches, planes, toolboxes, and, maybe surprisingly, knives. At a basic level, tools teach safety and trust. At a higher level, correct tool use enhances the growth of children’s brains. Stowe hasn’t written a step-by-step recipe book. He’s provided examples and expects the instructor will pick what works for them to create a lesson plan. He also expects that the object of the instructor’s craft will become the student, not the project.

—Joe Youcha founded and directs Building To Teach, a teacher-trainer program that reintroduces the building process as a context for math instruction.

Photos: Barry NM Dima

From Fine Woodworking #291

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	Ideas for woodworking with kids We went live on YouTube where Ben was joined by his son, Orazio, and they discussed ways of safely introducing kids to woodworking.
	Woodworking with kids: Scrapwood sculptures Two bandsaw cuts, some hot-melt glue, and some spray paint make for a fun time in the shop for both kids and their adults!
	Build a Shaker Step Stool with Your Kids Use this free plan to get your kids in the shop and build a project that they’ll be proud to stand on.