SCARBORO DAY CARE CENTER

Rationale:
Working with wood and simple tools is an important activity for children. Tools in the construction/woodworking center should be simple tools but good ones. Wood for construction should be soft, surfaced on four sides, and cut to a size the child needs so that the child's purpose can be achieved without too much difficulty. The center should be positioned so that it is easily and clearly observable at all times by the staff.

Skills Developed in Construction/Woodworking Center:

• Development of social relationships
• Language development
• Problem solving skills
• Motivation for learning specific skills and related information
• Enriched social studies experience
• Perceptual training (eye-hand coordination, etc.)
• Improved self-image
• Production of creative and shared ideas
  

Equipment and Materials

• Workbench
• Sawhorse
• Hammers
• Saws
• Clamps
• Pliers
• Wood files
• Rulers
• Screwdrivers
• Wood for construction
• Nails, screws, washers, etc.
• Miscellaneous materials(carpet scraps, button molds, bottle caps,
  rope, string, and wheels
  
  

Implementation Procedures:

• Limit number of children in the center so that work on a project can be completed safely. Recommended number for older children is four. One or two children is recommended for younger ages.
• Teach proper use of tools.
• Allow time for completion of a project.
• Require that children develop and follow safety rules at all times.
• Supervision of construction/woodworking center should be ongoing by staff or volunteer.

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