Kāmura Carpentry

Carpentry | Kāmura

Carpentry play enables children to learn how to design and build things whilst developing a wide range of physical and thinking skills. Core skills in math, science, technology and sculptural art are developed.

Learning and Development

Carpentry play helps children understand concepts like measurement, size, balance and force, encouraging them to solve problems as they design and build.
A variety of tools and materials are used such as wood, nails, carpentry pencils, milk bottle tops, ice block sticks and fabric scraps.
Hammering, sawing, drilling and drawing plans enhance body strength, control and hand-eye coordination.
Practical maths skills such as measuring length, size, angles and counting, are developed through hands-on carpentry activities.
Teachers demonstrate proper tool use and provide assistance, like holding a drill when needed, fostering safety and confidence.
Children learn scientific concepts like force and balance, learning to observe, predict and experiment with their designs.
Teachers support children in implementing their ideas, promoting independence while ensuring safety.
Designing and building 3D sculptures allow children to express creativity and develop critical thinking through problem-solving.
From concept to completion on a project, children experience the satisfaction of the full creative process.
Children learn to assess and manage risks in a supervised environment, building awareness and confidence in their abilities.

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How carpentry relates to the primary school curriculum

Continuing Learning at Home

For older infants and toddlers:
Start with hammer toys to help them practice striking objects and explore making 3D sculptures with small boxes.
Beginner activities:
Let children hammer nails into timber offcuts, tree branches or stumps. Start sawing with thin sticks and gradually move to thicker wood. Provide flat pieces of wood for practising drilling holes.
For older children:
Offer a variety of tools and materials to inspire creativity and skill development, including:
- Light Hammers with full-sized heads.
- Small Saws for use with wood held in a vice.
- Nails in various sizes.
- Pliers or Pegs for safely holding nails.
- Hand-Drills and Screwdrivers (short, stubby screwdrivers are easiest to handle).
- Sandpaper glued to a wood block for smoothing surfaces.
- Clipboards for planning and recording designs.
- Rulers and Builder’s Pencils for measurements.
Additional Accessories:
Stock items like PVA glue, staplers, tape, string, bottle tops, hooks, nuts, bolts, scissors, rubber bands, and lids to encourage creativity and expand projects.