Woodworking for Kids

[Todd Clippinger]

When it comes to sharing woodworking with my grandkids, I keep it simple. In fact, I really don't care if they take a shine to woodworking, I would just rather they get the opportunity to be creative.

When they come over for a visit, they don't ask if they can do woodworking, they just ask, "Can we build?"

 

At this point, I have done very few structured projects, I usually just let the kids have at it with the bin of wood scraps. Kids don't need to be told what to build with the scraps, their imaginations kick into high gear and they figure it out naturally.

 

I call this the "empty box effect." An empty box is an open ended toy and a child's imagination starts exploring all of the possibilities of what the box can become. The same thing happens with the wood scraps.

 

During the kids' build sessions, there is plenty of opportunity to teach them about safety, how to use the tools, and problem solving skills.

I think that both structured and unstructured projects have their own advantages and lessons to offer, so I do not necessarily value one over the other. But I will admit that structured projects require more prep time because you have to make parts in advance.

 

When working in the shop, the kids are exposed to a limited set of dangers, but that is an inherent risk of having them in the shop. Overall, the exposure is controlled and gauged according to the abilities of each child.

 

The fear of allowing kids into the shop will never give them the opportunity to learn self-control and respect for the tools and a somewhat hazardous environment. Personally, I don't see that it is any less hazardous letting kids ride a bike, a skateboard, or jump on a trampoline. I will not allow an unreasonable fear to keep my grandkids from such a valuable learning experience as they have in my shop.

In the end, I am trying to develop a culture of activity, creativity, and exploration in my family. I think all of the benefits of this far outweigh the perceived dangers.

 

And to think, I have not even mentioned the added benefit of the hours that the kids have spent with me, Grandpa Todd. There is enough content and lessons there for another blog.

I hope you enjoy the video.

 

Your friend in the shop-

 

Todd A. Clippinger

 

Leave a Legacy - Share the Love, Share the Knowledge

 

 

 

 

 

[lew]

For me, from little up, it has always been- "let's make something". Taking an idea and creating something tangible (cardboard box battle tank, wooden sword, or a clubhouse from shutters) is such a wonderful way to stir creativity. 

 

Keep it up, Todd!

[Todd Clippinger]

Lew - you really are right, it doesn't have to be wood. It can be cardboard or whatever else is at hand. Of course, since I am a woodworker, wood scraps are what is at hand;)

[Courtland]

Wow Todd, great write up!! And wonderful images! I agree, just let the kids go and stay out of their way for the most part, wise words grandpa. Those photos are priceless. Thanks Todd for sharing, awesome grands too!

[Todd Clippinger]

Courtland - that last image is a video. Thanks for the positive feedback!

[David Sudekum]

That is an awesome program.  I love when new blood is brought into the fold of working with wood.  There are so many different disciplines to explore.  Teach them the proper and safe use of the tools and let them do their thing... excellent.

 

DW

[Fred Wilson]

Great stuff - get them young - let them DO instead of Watch - keep them going - love it

[Todd Clippinger]

Fred - You really have the key to it, let them DO instead of watching. And that works with the part of "keep it simple."

[Ron Dudelston]

Since my daughter is an art teacher, her girls love to sort through the scraps to make "portraits" from the scraps.  My sinus a chemical engineer and his eldest at age 13 is all about projects. His younger brother at age 8 is happiest when he's clean in the shop. Go figure.