There is a Makers Space at the school where our kids are. This class room is filled with hands on activities. There is a Tinker Lab, Robotics area, Building Area with Lego’s and wooden blocks, Recyclable and Craft table, a Sewing Nook and a Wood working area. All of our kids loved especially the robotics and Wood working area. Our youngest made a Wood Project List with all kinds of easy and fun wood projects for kids to create.

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Safety First

As I mentioned before in my blog about Woodworking Projects for your Home, it is even more important to talk to and show your child the safety measures for working with wood. When I first heard that the kids at Makers Space as young as in 1st grade were working with hot glue guns, I was amazed, but a little scared too. Our youngest knew all the rules how to handle hot glue guns. Maybe start making one of these hot glue stands.

Teaching the kids how to use specific tools, can be done one at a time, but some safety rules need to be addressed from the beginning.

Put away any sharp tools from the reach of the children, unplug any power tools, clean the workshop of all wood debris, and move away any wires on the floor. Make the place as safe as possible for kids.  They should not be wearing very loose clothes, if they have long hair, it should be tied up. Basically, you do not want anything that might be caught on the woodworking machinery. Ensure that they are wearing sturdy footwear. While working with wood make sure that you are supervising them well. It can minimize the chances of accidents to a very large extent. As an extra precaution, have a first aid kit handy in the workshop, you never know when you might need it.

Work away from the body and use clamps to make sure the project is secure. IF using machines, protect ears, eyes and mouth (lungs) with gear like goggles, ear plugs and a mask.

Use a wash cloth pin to hold a nail when using hammer and nails.

Materials and Tools

Every little piece I have left from my projects, I save in a box for the kids to use. Also think of popsicle sticks or twigs. These could be part of a woodworking kit for kids: goggles, mask, clamps, tape measure, ruler, brushes, paint, old cloths or baby wipes, wood glue and hot glue, gloves, hammer and nails, pencil, screwdrivers.

Wood Projects to make

1. Wooden robots

One of the to-go-to projects kids made at the Makers Space were these kinds of robots. Kids can use all kinds of scraps of wood. Glue things together with hot glue or make moving arms and legs with pieces of rope. Kids can use all kinds of screws or bolts to make the robot.

2. Bird house

Our volunteer at the Makers Space pre cut all the pieces for a wooden bird house. I was wondering how easy this bird house in the picture would be. I think it is pretty easy to make. Now I know that the bird will be making its nest in a plumbing tube inside this bird house.

Skip to my Lou has a perfect work plan with measurements and a great idea for kids to use sand paper.

3. Flying bird (duck or goose)

As I mentioned before, this was one of my first projects I made in my elementary school. I remember we used a fretsaw (yes, I had to look up what “figuurzaag” is called in English!). The bird “flew” in my bedroom. I painted it white and blue! Later when I had my internship I used this project at the woodworking area at the Rehab center for children in the Netherlands.

4. Wooden games

These are so fun to make and the kids can use them immediately. They’ll be so proud to show their friends and play games!

5. String art

This is one of my favorites. You can make it as easy or difficult as you want. From a simple heart design or your name. Be sure to use nails with a larger top. And try the trick with the clothes pin to hold the nail.

6. Wooden key chains.

To make these wooden slices into cute personal key chains, kids can use a manual drill like this one to make the holes for the metal ring.

Or, kids can learn how to wood burn with this tool. Even tough I would start on a bigger wooden piece.

7. Pencil/marker or crayon holder

If it too much work to use the drill mentioned above for this projects, a standing wood drill (and you have one in your wood working area) will work faster and easier. Check for safety before you begin.

8. Christmas wood working projects

Time enough to make some cute Santa’s for Christmas this year.

Or this wooden Christmas sign.

Or some cute snowmen…

9. Special Picture frame

So cute, fun and educational! I would love to see your projects!!

Danielle

Hello everyone,

Welcome to my Crafty Dutch Girl blog! Grab a cup of “koffie” and browse through fun blog posts about our Dutch family expat life in the USA, Dutch history, Dutch recipes, Dutch things to do in the USA and all kinds of crafts and activities. Don’t forget to connect with me for new ideas! “Groetjes en tot ziens”.