“We observe children working with their hands, tinkering, constructing models, and working on projects, but in fact the real transformation is inside the child – personal development is at the heart of woodwork.”
In our Pre-School room, you’ll find something very special... our Woodwork station. Although it’s part of our overall Red Bus approach, this area is just for our older children in Pre-School and not something they are able to access freely.
Woodwork provides an opportunity for children to learn through doing – exploring real life resources, using their hands to create and express themselves. Creativity and critical thinking are central as children make choices, find solutions and learn through trial and error.
It also helps children see the value of making, repurposing and repairing as they explore a selection of recycled materials to create with. Children learn where wood comes from, how long it takes to grow and develop respect for the value of wooden materials and caring for our world.
The Woodwork station is kitted out with carefully chosen ergonomic tools to encourage children to be creative. These are “real” tools – it’s safer to use a sharp tool than a blunt one! These include -
On the bench -
Hammer, screwdriver, hand drill, palm drill, sandpaper and magnet (to pick up the nails and screws!)
On the shelf –
Japanese pull saw, crosscut saw, nail puller, bradawl, rasp file. Children must ask to use these tools.
Each tool has a NACHPUFM card, which stands for Name, Annotate, Check, Handling, Purpose, Use, Finish and Maintenance. Staff can refer back to these if they need to.
Safety glasses on, our practitioners then introduce children gradually to the tools on offer, enabling them to become familiar with how to use them safely. We talk about how to hold, carry and use the tools safely and become aware of risks and potential dangers such as sharp edges.
Once children are confident enough to use the tools independently and know how to stay safe, they are encouraged to explore by themselves (but always with adult supervision!)
At first children use soft wood such as balsa. Once children have experience with this type of wood they can move onto other softwoods, but always avoiding hardwoods and manufactured wood such as MDF. There are plenty of interesting resources to use such as corks, beads, fabric and milk bottle caps.
Through woodwork, children can...
Supporting your child
It’s understandable to feel apprehension as your child develops this skill. Speak to the Pre-School staff about any concerns and ask to see risk assessment and health and safety paperwork.
