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Hi!

Just thought I'd mention a book that we are enjoying getting to know right now: Jack McKee's "Woodshop for Kids," available from his site at www.woodshop4kids.com , or from Amazon.com (but not Amazon.ca for some reason!) I thought maybe some people here might enjoy this one too.

The author taught woodworking and science in Montessori preschools and elementary schools, and the book has 52 nice little projects suitable for the very young. There is an appropriate emphasis on safety throughout, and all the projects are to be done with hand tools. He has a good discussion of how to select tools and wood, and instructions for building your own kid-sized workbench, a homemade mitre box, and vise.

One thing I love is the photos of completed projects--nothing is too slick, so my little perfectionists aren't too intimidated to try things! We're just getting started with a couple of the "learn how to use a hammer and screwdriver and sandpaper lessons," but we're looking forward to continuing! (Except I broke a couple of toes on the weekend while I was setting up a work area for them, so we're slowed down a bit while I'm hobbling...)

peace
minnie

Thank you, Minnie! That looks perfect for my DS7!

I'll never forget the day I went to pick up DS7 from a friend's house and the mom told me the boys built a working ladder using fallen branches from the yard, a handsaw, hammer and nails. They were so proud of themselves and were using it to climb into the swingset playhouse. Maybe if DS has instructions, I'll feel calmer about handing him tools that require warning labels, lol.

Sorry to hear about your broken toes, I hope they heal quickly!