By Frida Caris, Centre Director, Clemton Park Early Education and Care
I want to share a story that’s been on my mind for quite some time, as it beautifully illustrates the power of early childhood experiences to shape our lives.
A Childhood Memory that Lasted a Lifetime
My husband once shared a memory from his own early childhood, around the age of many of our preschoolers here at Clemton Park. As a child attending preschool in Marrickville, his favourite experience was woodwork. He fondly recalls working with real tools—hammers, saws, and screwdrivers—alongside small offcuts of wood. Even after 30 years, this memory remains vivid for him. That early experience sparked an interest that led him into a lifelong passion for practical work. Today, he works as a tradesman in sheet metal, using a variety of tools every day.
This story inspires me as an educator to think about how we, as a team, might create similarly impactful experiences for the children in our care, especially those who seem naturally drawn to practical, hands-on activities.
Fostering Budding Tradespeople in Early Education
Hearing about my husband’s childhood experience with woodwork got me thinking: how can we nurture young children who show an interest in practical skills? How can we, as educators, provide opportunities that allow them to explore their inclinations in a way that’s meaningful and memorable?
The founder of kindergarten, Friedrich Froebel, believed that children learn best when their hands and minds are engaged in harmony. By combining imaginative play with physical activity, children can dive into their interests in a way that fosters deeper learning and development. Inspired by this approach, I shared my thoughts with the families at Clemton Park, inviting them to see the value in allowing children to rediscover traditional, hands-on skills.
Building Community Support for Our Woodwork Program
The response from our families was incredibly positive, with many expressing excitement about their children exploring these traditional skills. To help us bring this vision to life, we reached out to our local Bunnings in Kingsgrove for support. Soon, a group of children from our centre visited Bunnings to gather the tools and materials needed to start our woodwork project.
Turning Shopping into a Hands-On Experience
Before our visit, the children drew pictures of the tools they imagined using, such as hammers, screwdrivers, measuring tapes, and safety goggles. When we arrived at Bunnings, they eagerly searched the aisles for these items, turning the shopping trip into an engaging, interactive experience. The children also helped to scan the items at self-checkout, further building their confidence and independence.
Launching a New Era of Learning at Clemton Park
We’re thrilled to have launched this woodwork program, providing a rich and meaningful experience for our children. As we move forward, we’re excited to continue fostering their creativity and practical skills, helping them build memories and skills that might shape their futures—just as my husband’s preschool experience did for him. Through this hands-on approach, we hope to inspire young minds and create lasting memories that celebrate both self-sufficiency and the joy of learning through doing.
