Playtime in the Work Shop

Small hands love to be busy hands.  Taking time with your child in a workshop atmosphere can teach them a world of skills:  tool safety (and respect for tools), eye-hand coordination, problem solving, measuring, and the value of completing a task with tangible results!



A toy work bench lets your child create on their own
time safely, without supervision.



Start small and slow:  a younger child’s contribution may be as simple as sorting hardware into sizes or types, or working with some sand paper.  Older children may be comfortable cutting on a scroll saw, or painting/staining finished projects.

Give them the right tool for their age:  If your child is 4 and up, there are “real” tool sets available, scaled to the size of their hands.  For the younger set, a plastic set of tools will allow them to safely “help” by banging away at most anything.

Ask and Answer Questions:  What type of wood is this? What kind of grain? What is its texture? What else in the house is made of wood? How is the lawnmower motor the same as the car motor?



A tool belt of their own gives them
a sense of excitement and ownership!



Research it:  Have magazines, photos, and books available for inspiration and inquisitive minds.  Have them write down their questions and take a trip to the library, or a local museum to find the answers.

Be open:  your child will decide how “hands on” they want to be in any project.  If they are content to sit and watch the magic happen, let them (as long as its a safe process.)  Their interest may grow the more they watch, and the more questions they ask.

Remember:  Safety First!!