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Block of wood (ensure it is long to there is room to grip the wood while hammering)

Hammer

Art smock

Safety goggles

Safety gloves

Nails

Markers

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This project is a perfect introduction to woodworking for young children! Firstly, ensure that the woodworking activity is set up at a table. This is important as children need an elevated spaced out surface to hammer their porcupines. This project should be done outside as the hammers needed for this activity could damage school property and create wood chips. Give each child a hammer, safety goggles, gloves, smock and a piece of wood with nails pre hammered into it. It is important for the nails to be semi inside the wood before beginning as otherwise, the project will be a safety hazard. Next, instruct each child to put on their safety equipment and make sure to check each child's gear before explaining the activity. Next, explain how to properly hold the hammer and give a short demonstration of hammering a nail. Explain to the children that they can hammer the nails as hard or softly as they want to create their porcupine's spikes. After the children are satisfied with their hammering, pass out markers so the children can customize their woodwork with faces, limbs and colours.

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Age Group: This activity is meant for kindergarten-age children

Setting: This activity should take place outdoors at a table

Set up Time: This activity will take approximately 30 minutes to set up.

Activity Length: This activity will last for 20-40 minutes.

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The role of ECEs leading this activity is to set up materials and support children through their woodworking. The nails must be pre-hammered into the wood as kindergarten age children most likely won't be able to hammer the nail while holding it. Having the nails pre-hammered helps avoid injury and makes the activity age appropriate. ECEs role is also to support the children by offering help, answering questions and giving positive reinforcement. ECEs can support children during this activity by holding the wood steady while the children hammer, holding the nails in place if they fall off and giving demonstrations on proper hammer techniques. They can also give positive feedback and encouragement to keep the children engaged and determined in completing their porcupine. Lastly, you can ask open-ended questions such as "How deep will you hammer the spikes?" and "What expression will your porcupine have?" These open-ended questions will show the children that you care and are interested in their project. It will encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas due to the perceived interest by the ECE.

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You can modify this activities difficulty in a variety of ways. You can add more or fewer nails for children to hammer for each of their porcupines. You could replace wood with styrofoam blocks or silly putty to make it easier for children who are struggling. You could also instruct the children to create multiple porcupines with different wood shapes rather than nailing just using one. You could also incorporate craft supplies and paint so children can further customize their porcupines. Lastly, You can challenge the children by asking them to nail spikes harder or weaker in different areas so the nails stick up at different heights.

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If you do not have nails, you can use screws instead

You can use styrofoam blocks or play dough to simplify the activity or to use as a replacement for wood

You could use screws and a screwdriver to do this project where you screw instead of hammer into the porcupine

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Observations to Make During this Woodworking Activity

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Observations to Make During this Woodworking Activity

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Fine motor control

Gross motor control

Strength control

Palm grasp

Hand-eye coordination (accurately hitting nails)

Listening skills (following directions)

Dexterity

Social skills (asking questions, expressing when porcupine is done, asking for help if needed etc.)

Cooperation (holding wood steady for others, sharing materials etc.)

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Sarah. (2021, March 3). INCREDIBLE WOODWORKING PROJECTS FOR HANDY KIDS! How Wee Learn. Retrieved from https://www.howweelearn.com/woodworking-projects-for-kids-2/.

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Do you have a handy kid? All of my little ones amaze me with what they are capable of (when I give them the opportunity to show me, that is). And woodworking projects are no exception!

Madeline didn't have too many opportunities when she was little, I'm afraid to say. I cringed with the idea of her using a hammer or a saw with those tiny hands.

But I have learned a lot over the years, and I am happy to report that my little guys do a lot of woodworking projects now. We taught them to use tools properly, and it is remarkable the things they can do with them. And big sister is all too happy to make up for lost time and get right into the thick of it.

With spring just getting started I thought I should find some woodworking projects for kids to keep those boys of mine inspired and creating. And goodness are there ever some neat ideas out there!

Here are some of my favourite woodworking projects for kids:

Getting Started: Exploring Woodworking Tools and Materials

Easy Wood Projects for Kids

Wooden Blocks Made from our Old Tree. - Kids can get some familiarity with wood as a material in this simple wood project. Little ones will find it very rewarding to play with blocks they have chopped, sanded and waxed themselves.

Porcupine Woodworking Craft. - Little ones get so excited to share their new talents as gifts for loved ones. This simple woodworking craft gives kids the chance to make a useful gift and practice their hammering skills. We show you a trick for protecting little fingers from the big hammer squish.

Simple Wooden Tops from Kleas. - What a wonderful woodworking project for beginners. The end result is a fun toy the kids will enjoy working with. (blog post no longer active)

Stick Puppets from The Crafty Crow. - Kids can create their very own "Stick Man" inspired by a fun children's book. Simply hammer some nails or screwing in some screws to a stick! (Blog post no longer available)

Gnome Catapult from Kleas. - Let the kids can create their own gnomes. Add a cute little face on the wooden ball, and watch them fly! Creating the simple wooden catapult is great for preschoolers.

Building Projects for Kids

14 Incredible Bird Feeders for Kids to Make - This collection of DIY bird feeders are easy to make, with easy steps and using common materials you may already have at home. Try one today with your preschooler or young child. Perfect to decorate the backyard or to give as a gift.

DIY Wooden Building Blocks. - Make one set of these amazing building blocks with your kiddos and watch them play and create for hours! We outline all the tools, materials and detailed plans you will need to complete this great woodworking project for kids.

What do you think? Did you find an idea or two for your little ones? I hope so. We sure plan on tackling quite a few of these this summer.

I am trying to think of a woodworking project my little ones could do on their own in a Quiet Bin form. I'd love to hear your ideas or suggestions?

Thank you for reading friends, I hope you are having a lovely week!

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Breathtaking Nature Crafts for Kids 45 Gorgeous Gifts Kids can Make Ridiculously Fun Outdoor Games for Kids 42 Splendidly Creative Homemade Instruments

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Incredible Woodworking Projects for Handy Kids!

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Do you have a handy kid? All of my little ones amaze me with what they are capable of (when I give them the opportunity to show me, that is). And woodworking projects are no exception! Madeline didn't have too many opportunities when she was little, I'm afraid to say.