I have a couple of folks chasing me to put together some carpentry programs for kids. The age range is a bit foggy at this point, but could be as young as five, probably maxing out at 10 or 11. Power tools (with possible exception of a drill) need not apply. These would be offered as after-school or summer recreational programs.
For the younger set I’d have the project pre cut, for older there could be some handsaw work.
For projects, the usual bird house, tool box, stool and, and,
So, comments, suggestions, sources, cautions, past experiences (good and bad) would be very much appreciated.
Thank you!
Replies
Ed,
Toy cars work well for those that are interested - my 5y.o. still proudly displays one he made when he was 3
Cheers,
eddie
Along the lines of what eddie said,there's a book called "American Folk Toys" which has wooden toys that have delighted generations. I built several for my niece and nephews.
My 6 year old got a tool box project for Christmas. It was a basic old carpenters tote type that I precut and drilled. He did the assembly, gluing, screwing, and hammering. He loves it and feels he built it.
It's also full of tools now...
Ed... Try to locate a book called 'Woodworking With Kids' by Richard Starr. Taunton Press published oit back in 1982!. I don't know if it is still in print. It has LOTS ofgood ideas and will give you an idea as to what each different age level is capable of producing.
SawdustSteve NY.
Steve, I went to the library today, and that is one of the books that I brought home. The other is Carpentry for Children by Lester Walker. Some great pictures of Angus in Starr's book. Good ideas in both.
Thanks all! Ed
I just got a copy of that book on e-bay for 4 bucks. There are some available used on amazon as well for 15 or so. We'l see how it is. I'mm surprised there aren't more books like this out there.Tom
Douglasville, GA
I have 5 granddaughters and no grandsons. Have you noticed how many of the magazines have projects, kits, and plans for boys toys! Hardly any girls toys.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
PlaneWood
Hi Mike... You are 100 percent correct. Wood does seem to make 'boys toys'. Several of the guys and gals in my woodworking club make it a point to build 'girl stuff' when we do our annual 'Toys for Tots' drive in December. We have some BEAUTIFUL doll cradles, doll clothes dressers etc.
If someone wants to write a book on Wooden Toys for Girls, I bet it would be a great success. Right now I'm writing a book on old tools so I don't have the time to devote to it. How about you, Mike????
SawdustSteve Long Island, NY (E of NYC)
Well, because I'm a stereo-typical male, I have a hard time coming up with ideas for girls toys. That why I need to look elsewhere for ideas! I cannot get past the doll house thing. Kinda hard when my childhood life dealt with toy trucks, dirt movers, toy guns, and other 'boy' things.
Is it even 'politically correct' these days to think in term of different toys for girls?
In my childhood time girls played with dolls, doll houses, doll clothes, ovens, etc, typical things to train them for the then notion of their coming adult life. Well, that time has long past! Now they need training for how to run an office, prepare tax returns, how to hire a nanny, or a cook, or a maid, how to find a car repair place, etc.
Maybe I'll make all my granddaughters a jewlery box. At least they still wear jewlery.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
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