I like to think that we teach woodworking in school for the same reasons we teach music. We try to help students develop an appreciation and love for the craft, though we expect few of them to become professional musicians or cabinetmakers. If attractive to children, woodworking can be a vehicle for teaching far more than basic manual skills. We can help them learn how to make intelligent choices, to work with care, integrity, and pleasure, and to deal constructively with mistakes and frustration.

Our quiet shop reflects my preference for the old methods. Students use only hand tools, including a large variety of planes, drawknives, and spokeshaves, carving tools, and a foot-powered lathe. Children who might be intimidated by power tools are comfortable and productive here. Our major concern is to support their efforts to make projects of their own design, not to teach them specific skills. The skills they learn are a by-product; their reward is enjoyment of the work and satisfaction with the finished object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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