Making Houses

Here is the house that one of my daughters painted and decorated with paper. Doing this kind of work puts a different spin on the concept of "dollhouse" which for us usually means store bought and pre-decorated. Making one's own toys is an excellent way to learn. It's a perfect example of active learning which is necessary for full and deep cognitive processes. At the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in NYC, the curriculum schedule includes wood shop -- titled Social Studies Workshop. Students work with wood, glue, nails etc. They make moving vehicles, small pieces of furniture, and other useful objects. The class is offered in addition to Art which is generally painting, drawing and other forms fine visual art. What a great concept and so often lost nowadays -- Wood Shop!