Stepping out of the DCD woodshop, fifth graders are feeling a deep sense of accomplishment! Many of them are ready to take home the benches they’ve been working on this fall and winter. As the oldest students in the lower school, this project was an exercise in independence, responsibility, and putting to use the many skills they’ve learned throughout their time in the woodshop. They came a long way from the open-ended explorations of joinery they began the year with. Fifth grade woodworkers chose, hauled, and prepped their lumber, measured, marked, and cut all the pieces they would need, learned about joinery, hammering and nailing, and how to create patterns to make consistent decorative cuts for adding character and unique style to their pieces.

Ms. Levi asked the students to reflect on the process and come up with one thing they will take away from this project, beyond an awesome bench to sit on. Here are some of the things they shared as they left class:

  • Feeling accomplished
  • The importance of strength and durability
  • The skill of filling in gaps
  • Staying organized
  • Not giving up even though you might be a slow worker
  • The art of joinery
  • The feeling of pride when you finish

One student experienced the importance of durability and strength firsthand as she offered Mr. Nelson the privilege of taking the first seat on her bench! Other students brought their benches upstairs and excitedly put them to use as their new seats during homework club.