We have been off to a busy start in the art room this year, and our lower school students have been particularly excited to see the newest addition to the art room: a set of beautiful new woodworking benches. The workbenches allow the art room to function as a woodworking studio, which accommodates a full art class. With this new addition, we are able to build upon the woodworking projects that were introduced last year and launch a complete woodworking program in the lower school.
Woodworking units enforce math concepts, understanding of spatial relationships and both gross- and fine- motor skills in young learners. These design-based activities engage students in problem-solving, how to remain flexible in their thinking and creative self-expression.
Starting in the Early Childhood program, students will gain a familiarity with woodworking by creating sculptures using wood pieces. In the early grades, students will learn to use the straight saw to cut wood, and will move on to using a hand coping saw in the older grades to cut out more complex shapes.
The second graders are thrilled to be the first group to enjoy the woodworking benches this year, as they are beginning to make furniture creations for the teddy bears that they are making in their classroom. Stay tuned to see more thoughtful, innovative and creative wood projects coming out of the art room!
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