Thread: Kids Carpentry Classes: do they exist ???

I'm not aware of any. It is really up to parents to do it themselves -most bodies think it is dangerous and won't teach it (which is why woodwork is disappearing from the schools).
I think that the Cubs still have some woodwork activities, so once he reaches their minimum age (7 1/2, I think) then that might be the place to go.

If you want some ideas for woodwork with kids, Jack MCKee's books (which you can read about and order here are a good read and my kids liked the exercise.

Bunnings often have holiday Kids sessions no idea what though.

I hate to say it but with OH&S, Workcover etc sadly to many adults are frightened away even teaching there own kids.

I know of one in Melbourne - but that doesnt really help you

There is a place in glenhuntly rd caulfield, vic which gives lessons, courses etc for kids. I don't know it's name, but I used to live nearby (not now, though). I have no idea where greystaines is, but I gather it's not in melbourne, so it might be a long commute for you .
But such places do exist.
If I can find the name, I will post it in case it can help someone closer.
cheers
TM

Originally Posted by TermiMonster

There is a place in glenhuntly rd caulfield, vic which gives lessons, courses etc for kids. I don't know it's name, but I used to live nearby (not now, though). I have no idea where greystaines is, but I gather it's not in melbourne, so it might be a long commute for you .
But such places do exist.
If I can find the name, I will post it in case it can help someone closer.
cheers
TM

TM, I think you are thinking of Learning by Doing (The Learning By Doing Woodwork Room (LBD) : Inspiring kids to build their dreams)

That's the one.
TM

Originally Posted by jmk89

I'm not aware of any. It is really up to parents to do it themselves -most bodies think it is dangerous and won't teach it (which is why woodwork is disappearing from the schools).
I think that the Cubs still have some woodwork activities, so once he reaches their minimum age (7 1/2, I think) then that might be the place to go.

If you want some ideas for woodwork with kids, Jack MCKee's books (which you can read about and order here are a good read and my kids liked the exercise.

That link was broken, but try this one: woodworking with kids builder boards solar energy with kids treadle rube goldberg machine

I have a 6 year old daughter who is quite engineer-minded, and loves helping me with wood work. There are a series of kits by Red-ToolBox that have pretty much all of the cutting out done (some minor bits had to be completed) that are designed to be completed by a parent and child. I did one with my daughter as it was given to her as a christmas present - the bird-house.

I would never have bought it as I enjoy the cutting out process, but as I wouldn't let my 6 yo near the table saw anyway, in the end it seemed quite age-appropriate, and more to the point she loved it! I *think* the kit was purchased somewhere like Bunnings or even KMart.

Cheers,
Dave

Thanks for those replies - and links - I will investigate those avenues.

It seems there is a gap in the market out there for a smart woodworker.

You could have weekend classes where the adults attend with their kids and a clever carpenter at the front of the room providing instructions. No liabilties, get the parent to sign the waiver - like everywhere else these days - and Bob's your uncle.

The parents would be right there therefore being respsonsible for their own kid's safety just as they do anywhere else.

Now, if only I had the money to set up such a business

Thanks again everyone

Kids workshops are something we are working on.
We are just trying to balance the OH&S risk with an interesting and practical class.
Will let these forums know when we get it together!
Cheers
Peter
PS - If you are ever up Taree way - call in & say hello