Bob Riefer
04-07-2021, 8:45 PM
My kids have been my helpers for many years, mostly focused on saving me some steps (putting tools away, fetching the shovel, etc.) while I secretly sneak knowledge into their brains.
They are now.. gasp... teenagers. My boy will be 16 in a few months, and my girl is 13-going-on-20 (she's 5'9" and frequently mistaken for being much older... I think another grey hair just sprouted).
Like anything, being even basically proficient with tools requires practice. While all of us can effortlessly drive screws and drill holes and saw boards to the right size and shape.... there was a time for all of us when we'd never built a deck, remodeled a kitchen, built an Adirondack chair, or pursued even more difficult projects. Somehow, along the way, we all got enough repetitions that our skills built up - and I've found it's somewhat of an exponential curve... the more you learn, the easier is to learn even more.
Watching my kids drive some screws recently to tighten up some fence slats around the property, I became very aware that they are on the front side of this learning process.. no repetitions yet.
The fence project (and similar efforts) are practice in and of themselves, but I figured it would be fun to devise a "challenge" focused on some basic-yet-critical skills.
The management consultant in me therefore took this idea to Power Point where I wrote a 12 page presentation (complete with step-by-step pictures) that explains not just "how" but also "why" on a series of prescribed tasks. We're not building something pretty here, the goal is just for my kids to reproduce the steps I have detailed. They must follow instructions, measure, mark, drill, screw, use a hack saw, a bunch of other things. Think "scavenger hunt" style of "learning basic skills".
So far, my son is about 75% through the steps and has said things like "I had no idea I could use a combo square to do that" and "the first 10 screws gave me a fight, but the next 10 went much better" and "pilot holes really help" etc.
The whole project involves two 2x4's, a bunch of various fasteners, and tools that pretty much any home owner has on hand. My son will have installed about 40-50 fasteners of various types, used multiple types of drill bits, applied some thinking and some muscle. Good for him.
(and.... my daughter takes the challenge next!!! GIRL power!!!!! :-)
NOTE: Both kids have taken multiple Shop classes at school, have been well-schooled on safety procedures, and are being supervised throughout. Given their age, maturity, and background, this is extremely safe in our case.
Anyways, if anyone is seeking ideas for a fun way to teach the kids, I'd be happy to send along the power point in case you'd like to use it or modify it. :)
They are now.. gasp... teenagers. My boy will be 16 in a few months, and my girl is 13-going-on-20 (she's 5'9" and frequently mistaken for being much older... I think another grey hair just sprouted).
Like anything, being even basically proficient with tools requires practice. While all of us can effortlessly drive screws and drill holes and saw boards to the right size and shape.... there was a time for all of us when we'd never built a deck, remodeled a kitchen, built an Adirondack chair, or pursued even more difficult projects. Somehow, along the way, we all got enough repetitions that our skills built up - and I've found it's somewhat of an exponential curve... the more you learn, the easier is to learn even more.
Watching my kids drive some screws recently to tighten up some fence slats around the property, I became very aware that they are on the front side of this learning process.. no repetitions yet.
The fence project (and similar efforts) are practice in and of themselves, but I figured it would be fun to devise a "challenge" focused on some basic-yet-critical skills.
The management consultant in me therefore took this idea to Power Point where I wrote a 12 page presentation (complete with step-by-step pictures) that explains not just "how" but also "why" on a series of prescribed tasks. We're not building something pretty here, the goal is just for my kids to reproduce the steps I have detailed. They must follow instructions, measure, mark, drill, screw, use a hack saw, a bunch of other things. Think "scavenger hunt" style of "learning basic skills".
So far, my son is about 75% through the steps and has said things like "I had no idea I could use a combo square to do that" and "the first 10 screws gave me a fight, but the next 10 went much better" and "pilot holes really help" etc.
The whole project involves two 2x4's, a bunch of various fasteners, and tools that pretty much any home owner has on hand. My son will have installed about 40-50 fasteners of various types, used multiple types of drill bits, applied some thinking and some muscle. Good for him.
(and.... my daughter takes the challenge next!!! GIRL power!!!!! :-)
NOTE: Both kids have taken multiple Shop classes at school, have been well-schooled on safety procedures, and are being supervised throughout. Given their age, maturity, and background, this is extremely safe in our case.
Anyways, if anyone is seeking ideas for a fun way to teach the kids, I'd be happy to send along the power point in case you'd like to use it or modify it. :)