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For children, woodworking is practice in motor skills and creativity. Highly tactile, three-dimensional, and almost mess-free, woodworking can give kids a way to express themselves and encourage their imaginative and artistic skills.

For some children, just hammering nails into wood is highly satisfying. It is play - but play that can lead to more practical goals. The child who begins by hammering nails into a board might then nail two pieces of wood together . . . children who do this think, "This is what I need to do to build a fort!" Given the proper instruction, encouragement, support, and materials, they can do just that - and the outcome of that is a big sense of accomplishment!

Other children might enjoy snading a piece of wood. While this might not be the same as carving, rudimentary or decorative figures can be created by sanding down certain areas of a cylindrical or cubical piece of wood. While adults might not see the figure that is emerging, the child certainly will . . . and this leads to an understanding of sculpture and form. Add a dash of paint, or even some cleverly placed marker lines, and the figure can come to life.

The basics of woodworking can lead to a lifelong passion for creativity - either for practical purposes or for artistic expression. Few materials and equipment are necessary, though supervision might be advised. Woodworking is a great way to introduce your child to new skills and new ways of thinking about the objects around them!

Learn more about this author, Anna Casting.
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