Happy Spring,
Montview is blessed with amazing teachers who know the whys behind everything that they do. It is my pleasure to turn this monthly email over to Julie Shellhorn who put together an amazing explanation as to why woodworking is so important to young children and the amazingly multilayered learning that takes place while they are working with wood and woodworking tools. Here is a hint, it allows hands on learning and growth in the following developmental domains: social emotional growth, cooperation, mathematics, literacy, taking risks, large motor development, fine motor development, self-regulation, planning, and creativity.
Montview is very proud to have been granted a waiver by the State of Colorado to have woodworking tools available to our students.. The process of getting that waiver was arduous, as you can imagine, with a lot of time and effort put forth to make it happen. I am sure you will agree when you look at the pictures that the effort was well worth it.
Now on to Julie’s work:
The Return of Woodwork
Once almost eradicated due to rears of litigation, woodwork is now making a comeback in early childhood. This indicates a more balanced attitude toward risk and the growing view that health and safety measures are there to help children do activities safely, not deny opportunity. It is important for young children to experience risk in a controlled environment, promoting the development of self-management and decision-making skills.
The renewed interest in woodworking is also a reaction to our increasingly digital world. We are seeing a new generation of children who learn to swipe before they can walk. Children are surrounded by complex technology, but this has limited their experience of basic technology. Many children today may never have the chance to use simple tools during their entire education.
There is something really special about woodwork. It is so different from other activities. The smell and feel of wood, the sounds of hammering and sawing, the use of strength and coordination, all go together to captivate young children’s interest.
Woodwork is a powerful medium for building self-esteem. Children feel empowered and valued by being trusted to work with real tools. This sense of empowerment and achievement provides a visible boost to their self-confidence.
It is extraordinary to see just how much learning is involved in a woodworking session. In encompasses all areas of development, fostering confident, creative children with a passion for life-long learning. Woodworking incorporates mathematical thinking, scientific investigation, developing knowledge of technology, a deepening understanding of the world, as well as physical development and coordination, communication and language, and personal and social development. Encompassing many aspects of curriculum, the benefits of woodwork for children’s development are evident across all areas of learning.
