Junior high school students build their interest in woodworking during summer program

Ayden Sijo spent a few hours this summer developing a skill he will use for the rest of her life.

The eighth-grade Bemis student was one of 250 students who took part in a woodworking enrichment program offered as part of a summer school experience and funded by a grant from the United Way.

“It’s been really fun,” he said, taking a break from creating a new shelf. “I like that they teach you about being really precise and the process of creating something. I also like that you get to use machines here that you wouldn’t have at home.”

Teacher John Chateau said that developing a future interest in woodworking was the goal from the outset of the week-long program. Many of the students in the program repeated the experience during the five weeks it was offered at Davis Junior High School.

“The goal is to create excitement for woodworking so they pursue it further,” said Chateau.  “The kids are really fired up and we're getting students all over the district. It’s really been a diverse class.”

Chateau said many of the students have the same reaction when they first enter the classroom – “it smells like a Home Depot.” But they quickly become engaged in the process of working with their friends to create something practical that they take with them when the week is over.

Students in the program this summer created wood tool boxes, bird houses, cutting boards and two different types of shelving pieces.

“The students walk out of here proud as a peacock with what they have been able to do,”  he said.

In addition to learning how to use specialty machines, students are getting practical experiences in measuring, spatial relations and the detail and precision that goes into creating something out of wood.

“The students realize that they really like working with wood, and this could be a great hobby, even if it is not a career,” he said. “One day they are going to be homeowners who need to build something, and through this experience they will have an idea of what tool is needed to perform the task.”

One student who was taking the class for the second time was Cecilia Davis, an eighth grader at Davis Junior High School.

“I like that we can create things and I really like doing things with my hands,” she said. “The best part for me has been the fun I’ve been having making something with my friends.”