I'm in New Zealand right now getting ready for a presentation to the 4th Annual Men in Early Childhood Summit. I'm spending time with one of the guys, Robin Christie and his wife and kids I met in Belfast, Ireland - the World Forum. I've been to New Zealand before and love the country.
Robin and his wife run several programs called Childspace.
Their philosophy and approach is based on play and using the natural environment to nurture and support that play. What great fun!
And what a great place for men to get involved. I was talking to two of the blokes (I've been here long enough to start talking that way) who build the equipment and materials that many centers and programs use. They were sharing how much they enjoy spending time with the children in the classroom. And the two guys talked about how they interact with the children talking about their work and what they are doing.
Part of the reason I mention these guys is because several men I know who work in the field have always used woodworking or carpentry in their programs.
Bruce Sheppard has done workshops for teachers about how to safely use tools with young children. It sometimes seems that our classroom have become a bit too sanitized or overly "safe" for young children where they don't get to get messy or try things out. Now I'm not talking about the use of chainsaws or hammer drills. But let's think about what activities and equipment we use with young children that reflects more the culture of men.
Woodworking with young children
Here is the story about my woodworking projects with young children. On three different occasions during the late 80's and 90's I created a woodworking curriculum while teaching Early Childhood Special Education children.
On each occasion I applied for and received a mini-grant to buy some child-friendly woodworking tools and project supplies. I designed a basic play loft that at the time cost about $100-$150 to build. Materials consisted of two-by-fours, plywood, carpet, lag screws, carriage bolts, and varnish.
I had the children saw every board (except the plywood), attach every screw and carriage bolt (with me tightening) and varnish the whole thing when we were done (I got the high places).
Each time it took about two months to build. If I had done it on my own I could have had it up in a day or two, but that wasn't the point. I documented the whole process in pictures and had a grand opening with the families upon completion. I still have the plans somewhere.
Years afterward former students came back to see if the loft they helped build was still there. They continued to be proud of the work they did and how it was a lasting gift to other ECSE children.
Bruce S. Sheppard, M.T.S
EI/ECSE Specialist
Oregon Department of Education