Woodshop Project
At Liberty Elementary, the kindergarten students will soon put into practice some old-fashioned woodshop skills as they learn about reading, community helpers and farm life. The students are reading Old MacDonald had a Woodshop, by Lisa Shulman. The story describes a barnyard of animals taking over a woodshop to design a replica of the farm, with Old MacDonald portrayed as a lovable sheep. “Most of our children have no idea what a woodshop is or what happens in a woodshop,” said teacher Julie Cranston. So, on May 1, from 1:30-2:30, with the help of Home Depot, the kindergarten teachers are bringing the woodshop to the children.
Home Depot representatives will bring one of their children’s crafts projects to the school, free of charge, along with the supplies and tools for each child to craft their own project. They are also giving the students a work apron with a pin (which children collect like badges for each project that they complete through the store’s free craft days). “The people at Home Depot want children to learn that they can do projects around the house as they grow up,” said kindergarten teacher Julie Cranston. Of course, adult volunteers have been requested, so the school is asking parents and volunteers to come read and supervise the project.
“The actual wood craft which the students will be constructing is a sailboat, which is great because we will have just finished studying transportation,” Cranston said. “We have already studied community helpers, which also fits into the project.”
While the wood craft project will bring the children satisfaction and fun; more specifically, it will reinforce important curriculum connections. “During reading, we emphasize to the children that they should listen attentively to a speaker for specific information. They will also practice following simple two-step oral directions, build vocabulary, connect information to life experiences, recognize the community as a resource for information, and understand that printed materials provide information. In addition, this craft project will be great for fine motor skills and hand/eye coordination.”
So when you walk past a room of giggling children with screwdrivers and goggles in their hand, you can be reminded that good teachers make learning fun.
For more information, please contact Susannah Gentry at 472-3114.
