Carpentry

I'm working on uploading a ton of photos from the last couple classes but wanted to take a quick moment to tell about how today's carpentry class went.  In a word, it was amazing.

We had spoken to one of the teachers at our school about what kind of project might be beneficial to the class or campus and got a response regarding planter boxes for the multi-age classrooms.  Rick, one of the dads in our group, is a contractor so, along with Mark (a carpenter dad) they came up with a plan, drew up real plans with a cut lists, plan views, etc and then purchased the items needed for the class.  Rick picked up the lumber (redwood) and Mark went a wee bit nuts buying up safety glasses, small tape measures, ear protection, carpenter pencils, etc.  The kids were more than outfitted for the task.

We started off the class talking about safety, then got them onto centers that taught them how to use a saw and miter box, a drill, and a hammer and nails.  They learned about pilot holes and got really good at not smashing their fingers.

Then, lunch.

After lunch we had a design meeting so they could see what elements went into creating a plan and see what we were going to do.  After that, we put them to work.  They created four planter boxes in a little under two hours, working diligently (except when they were not) and doing a brilliant job with the whole thing.  The boys stayed on task far better than the girls, ultimately completing three of the four boxes on their own while the girls did one.  To be fair, the girls had become a wee bit side-tracked by the creation of random block formations, all nailed together with much passion.

Overall, everyone had a great time and we had a finished product that the kids all signed and sanded.  Mark and I (Elaine) will likely apply a coat of something to seal them since they will be used outdoors.  I also drilled holes in the bottoms for drainage.  Photos coming soon, but really, a fantastic day. I couldn't be more proud of the kids!