Learning Power

These students discovered that winding sticks are a powerful tool for flattening boards.

What make us feel powerful when we are young?  Is it a mindset? Is it that vague?  Or is it something more tangible?  Do the the things that we hold and feel, or the activities that we do, give us power?  It seems like power and control can go hand-in-hand.  People who have control have lots of power, and vice versa.  Lots of people feel as though things like money or fame can give them power.  Others might say that it's not that simple.  I've got several students in my wood shop on a daily basis that feel power when they build things.  Right now we are really in a groove.  They have been building items for the workshop like tables, racks and shelves.  Learning how to do something and then seeing an end result for your work will make anyone feel pretty powerful.  Things that we do and we can see give us powerful feedback.  Are we all this way?  Doesn't everybody want to see the results for something that they've worked at?  It's nice to know that when working with wood the end result is something useful and visible.  Children need a variety of ways to experience learning and to grow their character.  Whether it be in English, Science or History class- learning can be powerful!  When someone is put in a class that allows them to learn according to their own style, then learning becomes very powerful.

Howard Gardner hit the head on the nail with his Theory on Multiple Intelligences.  A summary of this theory is shown below.

Challenging Work

 

Last year my period one class did some work for a local restaurant- Bread and Chocolate.  Pictured above is the table that we built for their restaurant dining room.  They wanted something unique, something that they couldn't buy in a store.  So far I haven't seen any of these around.  The legs on this trestle table were cut from a downed red oak tree behind our school.  It was very challenging for us to work with, but it made the work more interesting.  The top was made from eastern white pine that was purchased from an estate sale from the Raccio family at the foot of West Rock.  The rest of the wood came from Hart's mill in Barkhamsted.  As a woodworker, it's nice to realize the potential that this area has to offer when it comes to lumber.  As a teacher, it's nice to recognize the potential that lies within my students.  In both cases, there is value, and in either case, the work is challenging.  There's an old saying in the trades that states "a good craftsman doesn't blame their tools" for a job being done poorly.  How can this apply to education and teaching?

Bread and Chocolate made a donation to our school in exchange for the table.  They have such positive energy over there and they are a pleasure to work with.  It's nice to connect with people of the community who appreciate quality craftsmanship.  If you or someone you know is interested in having us do a project for you, please feel free to let me know.  My students are up for the challenge. 

Slow down and rip it

Today in the wood shop students began measuring and marking the boards they will use for the sill bases of their dog houses.  Once this was done they cut boards to length and began ripping them in half.  If this was a typical modern-day wood shop class we would be using band saws or table saws as our ripping tools of choice.  But it isn't, and we didn't.  No modern techniques being employed here- and for very good reasons.  I'll never forget the day that my high school football coach talked to our team about problems in our society stemming from our fast-paced way of life.  He pleaded with us to be patient and to work hard every day to get results and not give in to the temptations of temporary satisfaction.  I took what he said to heart.  I could identify with this weakness in myself and and it's clearly evident in my students.  I strive to help my students develop more patience, increase their capacity to concentrate, control their emotions and learn to value physical work.  Now I traded my pigskin in for some steel teeth and wooden handles- but the same principles apply you dig?  Traditional woodworking is a great vehicle for building character.  I don't really care if my kids ever work with wood again after they leave my class.  Many of them will, because they like it.  However, if the projects engage them and the work is challenging they will get something more lasting out of their work. 

Below is a picture of one of my second year students ripping a white cedar 2 x 8 by hand on a bench that a few classmates of his built not too long ago.  The bench is specially designed for ripping.  It will come in handy over the next few days.

The smile says it all- this guy likes his work.

 

Dog Wood

This week, my 6th period class will let the begin designing and building their timber frame dog houses.  Most kids have a dog to give this house to.  Others are along for the ride but will donate theirs to a family in need of one.  Students are required to do some woodwork for their community throughout the course of the year so this project will fit the bill for some of them.  The construction process will be fun as they get to employ many of the traditional joinery methods they have learned since they have been in my class.  The image above gives you an idea a basic timber frame structure and what the kids will be learning to build.  There will be plenty of measuring, sawing and chiseling coming up, and I intend on posting some shots as the kids get started.  The wood of choice is white cedar from Hart's sawmill up in Barkhamsted, CT.  It's light weight, easy to work with hand tools and local.  I'm sure the dogs will appreciate it!

Another way...

I began my woodworking apprenticeship work study program at our school last Friday.  I have 5 apprentices working 2.5 hours a week earning minimum wage.  This is a lot of money for them if you consider what they usually make while in a school building.  I know that we are supposed to be teaching lessons through english, math, science and history to our children, but what about the other lessons that kids need?  Most people categorize these as "character traits", or the "lifelong lessons" that you learn (if you are fortunate enough) in school.  But what happens when kids act up, shut down, get marginalized, or simply just don't "fit the mold" of a traditional working school?  Do they get lost in the maze, flounder or drift?  And what do we as educators do?  Do we get aggravated?  Do we stick to business as usual, aka our curriculum?  Do watch it happen knowing what the most probable outcome will be?  Do we try and lead them into a new direction?  What do we do?

There are a variety of alternative approaches out there, I am simply trying one of them.  I have chosen to challenge my students to tap into their best by working with wood.  It works.  So far.  But I know there are more ideas out there for sharing that can help benefit kids in need....and there are tons.

Please share some of the approaches that you see work.  Solutions that are viable alterantives for the probelms facing our kids in schools across the country.  Let this be the beginning of a dialogue that we can share for as long as we can, and need to.
 

Finishing touches...

Today, my 7th and 8th graders completed their own versions of a six board chest.  Not quite the replica of an 18th century design, but it was built with the same kind of spirit.  This was a pretty exciting project.  My goal for next year with this project is to get the kids to work more independently, as this will add to their confidence.  Nonetheless, they each enjoyed the process and were extremely delighted to apply linseed oil, put on the hardware and get em' home.  What a thrill it was to be able to finish this project with a group of kids on the last day of school, while most kids are hanging out and waiting for the day to end.  I am very fortunate to have such a good group of kids, they like to work and they are hungry to learn.   Pictures to come...