The unmistakable smell of sawdust…the looks of fierce concentration on students’ faces – these are two of the first things you notice upon entering the woodshop. A favorite spot on campus, this is where students bring their math and science skills into a creative environment to learn problem solving.
Starting in Senior Kindergarten, students learn to use basic hand tools to create projects. As they get older, more tools, various finishing techniques, and more complex projects are introduced. Students eagerly await fifth grade when they are allowed to begin using power tools.
Some of the students’ favorite projects include making a Viking ship and a spinner top. Sixth graders create and design plans for an original project of their choice, and many truly outstanding pieces are the result.
The woodshop teachers also incorporate geography, language arts, social studies, and more into their discussions with students, resulting in a richly textured learning environment.
In addition to woodworking skills, children gain the confidence, ability, and skills to tackle tough problems with their hands and heads. And maybe most importantly, patience. In a world where instant gratification is the norm, woodworking demands planning, patience, and perseverance to see projects through to the end.