The following is the description for my class Saturday July 12 at Marc Adams School of Woodworking

CLASS: MENTORING A CHILD WITH DOUG STOWE
DATE: July 12
COST: $125

For those of us with a well-developed love of working with wood, sharing that love with others is a "no-brainer." It arises from our passion. Those who love children, whether their own or in their communities, may think that because children are quietly occupied with their hands-on video devices, they are in good hands and that your guidance and attention are not required. However, the evidence linking damage to children's attention to learning and capacity for learning to the amount of time spent watching television or engaged in computer gaming is strong. In fact, it is far stronger and more clearly documented than the evidence linking smoking to lung cancer and heart disease. In addition, there is a huge and growing amount of statistical data linking the effectiveness of learning and joy in learning to the engagement of the learner’s hands. So what's a woodworker to do? Isn't it obvious? But how do you get started? How can you keep your child safe? How can you encourage your child's confidence, creativity, and skill? Doug Stowe will help answer all these questions. He has been the director of a woodworking program at Clear Spring School in Northwest Arkansas for seven years and works with students of all ages. Articles about his program have been published in “Woodwork,” “Woodcraft,” “Cabinetmaker,” and on line at “Fine Woodworking” website. In addition to reaching woodworkers with this vital information (preaching to the choir), his articles have been published in “Independent School” and “Encounter” magazines.
This class is hands-on learning for adults with the purpose of providing an understanding of children's needs and the educational opportunities that woodworking can provide. Even more, this is about sharing with our kids, the most important part of our lives as creative and enthusiastic life-long learners.