Kids, carpentry, and the preschool classroom

A great deal of attention has been given over the past few years to the educational value of play in the lives of very young children (Glickman 1979, Pellegrini 1980, Yawkey & Fox 1981, Hoot, 1984). Play has been shown to serve as an indispensible medium for supporting the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development of children. Where play does exist, it is generally found in the housekeeping, block, and sand/water play areas. Yet, many classrooms overlook one of the most developmentally appropriate and enjoyable play media of all - woodworking.