This essential guide provides clear and comprehensive support for those looking to introduce creative woodwork into early years settings. With theory, practical advice, stunning colour images and case studies, the book will inspire practitioners to embrace woodwork and encourage children’s independent creative learning.
Focusing on the numerous benefits that working with wood offers young children, from boosting their self-esteem and problem-solving skills, to enhancing their communication and social development, the author draws on over 25 years of experience to discuss each and every aspect of establishing woodwork in the early years curriculum. Including practical information on materials and tools, staff training, and health and safety advice, this go-to guide provides a treasure trove of ideas to engage children at various stages of development, drawing the maximum benefit from working with wood and tools.
Both inspiring and informative, Learning Through Woodwork will become an essential tool for early years practitioners and teachers wishing to explore and develop woodwork provision.
Table of Contents:
Author’s Note
Disclaimer
Foreword – Tina Bruce CBE
Preface – Rachel Edwards
Author’s Biography
Chapter 1 – Introduction: Why woodwork?
Chapter 2 – Historical and pedagogical context
Chapter 3 – Learning and Development
Chapter 4- Equal opportunities
Chapter 5 – Adult support
Chapter 6 - Getting started
Chapter 7- Extended learning projects
Chapter 8 – Health and Safety
Chapter 9 – Final words…
Reference notes
Bibliography
List of case studies
Resources & suppliers
About the Author :
Pete Moorhouse is a professional sculptor and artist educator, with over 25 years’ experience of working in schools and early years settings. He is currently resident artist educator at St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School, Bristol, UK.
Review :
"The benefits that working with wood offers young children shine through in this timely and informative book that will become a mainstay of your setting."
Neil Henty, Early Years Educator Magazine, UK.
"Every so often a book is written that helps practitioners to develop their work in deep and far reaching ways. This is that sort of book."
Tina Bruce CBE, University of Roehampton, UK.
"With 25 years of experience, the author draws on practical examples, revealing a treasure trove of ideas to put into practice, as well as advice on materials and tools, and staff training."
Neil Henty, eye
"The book is carefully structured to guide the reader through a detailed rationale for teaching and learning through woodwork; these concepts build in a natural way as the book progresses, and are all underpinned by theoretical and pedagogical perspectives, as well as being placed within historical and current contexts. The case studies, as well as the photographic illustrations, interspersed throughout the chapters, all emphasise key principles for good practice, and bring the themes to life. The snippets of conversation and dialogue, recorded from conversations with children engaged in the projects, cannot fail to demonstrate the deep learning and thoughtful and reflective comments that children are capable of under the right conditions. As readers, Moorhouse gives us an insight into how his philosophy, and his vision for what is possible, can be made into a reality in any classroom or setting. The tone of the book is spot on, and speaks to the reader, making us feel as though we are being well advised by someone who understands."
Susan Ogier, University of Roehampton, UK
