Crafts are fun for kids, but DIY projects using wood can be kept forever. They teach preschoolers fine motor skills and offer an extrinsic reward after making something with their own hands. We’ve previously shown you how kids can make these wood projects; wood pumpkins, a wood desk calendar, and wooden spoon puppets. Today, we are giving you a simple tree woodworking project for preschoolers.
We are currently studying trees in my classroom. My partner will be coming into the classroom over the next couple of weeks to talk to the kids about things that can be made out of trees. He has made these tree parts for the kids to put together their own tree. They’ll learn about the trees that these wood pieces came from, see some tools used to make them, sand their tree parts, and then after assembling their tree they’ll be able to decorate it if they want.
Simple woodworking tree project for preschoolers
Kids will use fine motor skills to sand their tree parts and assemble them and use their sense of touch to feel the difference between rough and smooth when sanding. They will use their imagination to decorate them (if they like), and learn about the shapes they are working with. They will also learn about the different trees as well as tools and technology used for woodworking. Plus, they’ll have something really cool to take home afterward.
Obviously this project is going to take grown-up help to saw the pieces of wood and drill the holes needed for the tree. Which makes it a great project for parents to do with their kids too, especially coming up to Christmas.
Supplies
- Wood – for the triangle tree and rectangle base
- Dowel rod for the trunk
- Drill
- Saw
- Sander
Instructions
The first step is to cut out your triangles for the tree’s top section. The dimensions for ours are sides 6.25″, base 5″, and the wood is .75″ thick.
The second step is to cut a rectangle base for the tree. The dimensions for ours are 4″ by 2.5″ and the wood is .75″ thick.
Next, using a drill, make holes in the base of your triangle and the center of your rectangle. Make sure not to drill all the way through. The hole needs to be the same size as the dowel rod so it fits perfectly inside.
Carefully sand any sharp edges without sanding too much, you want to give the kids an opportunity to sand the tree to their liking and touch the different textures.
This simple woodworking project for preschoolers creates a wonderful learning opportunity that incorporates the senses, math, science, and the arts.
Please pin this post for later
