tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post6912817880407866297..comments2024-03-26T07:00:11.620-05:00Comments on Wisdom of the Hands: kids at work...Doug Stowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003845322415622289noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post-65295413430142529622016-09-02T13:00:00.646-05:002016-09-02T13:00:00.646-05:00Joe,
On this project, I prepared the stock from pi...Joe,<br />On this project, I prepared the stock from pieces of 2 x 4 resawn on the table saw as follows: Backs 5/16 in. x 3 1/2 in. Bottoms 3/16 in. x 3 1/2 in. Ends 1/2 in. x 1 1/2 in. and fronts 5/16 x 1 1/2 in. The various pieces of stock were cut to manageable lengths but the kids did the cutting to length.<br /><br />I helped the students mark the lengths, demonstrating a tape measure and square, and had to assist them in getting the saw started. I also had to demonstrate nailing, how to hold stock in the vise, to do so, how to start nails in the stock first before attempting to hold parts together. On the backs, we used coping saws to make the curved cuts, and I got them started on that, so that they saw how it worked. They drew the curved line, I started the saw in action and they finished the cut.<br /> <br />They used sanding blocks and rasps to fix mistakes in their cuts.<br /><br />At this age (first and second grade) you don't expect the kids to be craftsmen, and it is OK to help when they are having trouble or lack confidence, as long as you have the tact to step back when you know the child is ready to go on their own.<br /><br />It's like teaching a child to ride a bike. You know when they are ready for you to let go.Doug Stowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13003845322415622289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post-25262689865930357442016-09-02T08:29:55.250-05:002016-09-02T08:29:55.250-05:00Thanks for sharing. In the sample project that the...Thanks for sharing. In the sample project that the children are presenting, can you describe briefly what you prepared beforehand vs. what you left up to the child to do? I realize that the age and experience likely has a lot do with this divide but just wanted to get a sense with this example. Also, I see that the backs of the boxes have curved edges, how were those cuts performed and were they made by the children?Joe Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03898175644608331292noreply@blogger.com