Flag poles...

As a project for my Kindergarten students yesterday afternoon, I came up with the idea of making flags and flagpoles. The project involved colored markers, a drill press, a Veritas tenoner, small scraps of thin plywood, and nails. Hammers, too, of course.

The project was a huge success. The kids loved what they'd made and were proud to take them home.

I had to make a model first to show them what they were to make. Making the model first allows me to anticipate the tools needed, the particular challenges the children will face, and to be prepared to help. Making a model first also helps by utilizing the principles of Educational Sloyd, moving from the known to the unknown and from the concrete to the abstract.

Have you ever seen such cute smiles?

Make, fix and create....