Handwork ideas for a 4 y/o boy?

[operamommy]

Hi all! I want to start including more handwork in our weekly rhythm and am looking to compile a "go-to" list for when I'm planning projects for my soon-to-be 5 y/o ds2. My ideas so far are:

candle rolling
beeswax modeling
finger knitting
beading
weaving
embroidery on burlap
wet felting

Any other ideas? Thanks!

[counterGOPI]

What about some kind of woodworking? Simple things like maybe sanding wood pieces and maybe beeswaxing the wood?
I'm thinking about maybe teaching my soon to be 5 yo spinning with a drop spindle but not just sure yet.

[boatbaby]

We have a sewing basket set out for my son (who is now 6 but we've had it out since age 4) with felt sheets, some thicker needles, and embroidery thread. It wasn't long before he could thread the needles himself and he continues to go to that basket all the time when inspiration strikes to make little pillows, bags, and such.

Also we have a generic "art basket" accessible with modeling wax, beeswax crayons, Lyra pencils, and plenty of fun papers. That gets used every morning without fail and throughout the day too.

I second the idea of having him apply beeswax polish to things, sanding is good but can get a little difficult for little people after a bit.

We also have a basket of blank gnome bodies near the sewing basket, and DS often creates his own characters for play by fashioning some simple felt or fabric outfits for him gnomes.

And like you mentioned for more "planned" projects we bake (that is a sort of handwork afterall), wet felt, some needle felting though he's poked himself enough times that he's a bit wary now... candle making and other wax projects, beading, etc.

I really believe handwork is not emphasized enough for little boys, even in Waldorf families. Good for you, it will really be such a good thing for your little guy in the long run.

[TulsiLeaf]

Originally Posted by counterGOPI

What about some kind of woodworking? Simple things like maybe sanding wood pieces and maybe beeswaxing the wood?
I'm thinking about maybe teaching my soon to be 5 yo spinning with a drop spindle but not just sure yet.

M loves to help with the drop spindle. She is a bit clunky at it, but she can do it. That reminds me I need to do that with her.

[operamommy]

Thanks for the replies! I had totally forgotten about polishing, and coincidentally ds2 just made a fairy from a wooden peg doll the other day.

[mamaUK]

I remember reading somewhere that for the beeswax modelling, it helps to warm the beeswax on a hot water bottle first to make it easier for little ones. Don't know from experience though.

[counterGOPI]

Originally Posted by mamaUK

I remember reading somewhere that for the beeswax modelling, it helps to warm the beeswax on a hot water bottle first to make it easier for little ones. Don't know from experience though.

Yes, yes that's what we do! wrap a towel around the hot water bottle and then put the beeswax between the towel and bottle so that it gets warmth all the way through. Just check it often so it doesn't get too soft.

[lyrebird]

Originally Posted by counterGOPI

Yes, yes that's what we do! wrap a towel around the hot water bottle and then put the beeswax between the towel and bottle so that it gets warmth all the way through. Just check it often so it doesn't get too soft.

oh my, that sounds much more sensible than what we do (stick it in the oven...on low of course...).

you can also decorate rolled candles with beeswax - I'm not sure if that's too much for a four year old...

Also at easter time dying and decorating eggs. You can buy kits, but I think it's fun dripping candle wax on them, you've just got to be a little careful and very hands on...I use thin tapers. you can also draw on them with beeswax crayons and then dye them.

[aprons_and_acorns]

I know you already mentioned finger knitting in the original post, but my six year old son just became really interested in spool knitting so I thought I would mention it.


Also, I think this is a great age for sewing.


I agree with the PP who said handwork is often not emphasized enough for boys and this is a very helpful thread for some new ideas.

[aprons_and_acorns]

Oops-- I had it in my head that the OP was looking for ideas for a six or seven year old! Now I see the child is four, so perhaps spool knitting and sewing might be too hard/frusterating. Sewing on burlap might be good though. My little one enjoyed that at age four.

[mamaUK]

Originally Posted by counterGOPI

Yes, yes that's what we do! wrap a towel around the hot water bottle and then put the beeswax between the towel and bottle so that it gets warmth all the way through. Just check it often so it doesn't get too soft.

Maybe I read that tip on your blog?! Do you think my 5 year old would enjoy beeswax modelling? I might get some from our local Waldorf store. I saw it in there the other day. This might be a really stupid question, but how is it different from play doh , is if more delicate work? Also can it be reused ?

[kennedy444]

My dd loves her embroidery. She or I draw a simple design with a pencil and she just picks her colors.

My mom got her a knitty knobby (that's what we call it). Here is something similar to what we have. Knitty. I've also seen them (with metal parts on top) at the local AC Moore. She loves watching the "snake" grow and we change colors often to make it interesting.