Classic and innovative hands-on projects for kids ages 3 and up
designed to teach both heritage skills and how to think creatively.
Handcraft is part of human nature: we build, we create, we innovate. The
20+ projects in this book from an experienced art educator weave a story
of human innovation and creativity, from the very beginnings of building
shelters in the woods to tinkering with recycled materials. Heritage
skills teach children how to be independent and capable makers; fiber
and wood projects offer rewarding crafts that also teach planning,
preparation, and safe risk taking; and tinkering activities connect the
low-tech process of making and doing with innovation. From soap carving
and knot tying to building toy cars and junk robots, this book brings
the fun of making things with your hands to young kids and links skills
of the past with the present.
The book also explores how to set up a maker space and teaches
foundational workshop practices that can easily be applied to the home
studio. Each project offers extensions for different ages and abilities
and provides guiding questions to enrich the experience for both the
maker (teacher/parent) and the apprentice (child) to encourage and
celebrate creative, practical play.