the value of the shooting board in learning...

Yesterday, both my lower elementary school class and my middle school class took turns using shooting boards to square stock and to make simple desk boxes. The great value of the shooting board is that it gives the students the opportunity to square stock, but also gave them a better understanding of why materials need to be cut square in the first place.

As a result, I had students checking their work with squares and paying more attention to careful cuts. The challenge is to get students hooked on craftsmanship, to get them reviewing their own work objectively, and to then find greater pleasure in their work.

My own latest boxes are shown above. Other hardwood versions of this box are in the works.

Make, fix and create...