Woodworking for Kids is based on the program, "I Can Build It Myself" developed by Shiela Dawson of San Diego, CA. For over 30 years she has taught woodworking to kids all over San Diego County form a workshop in a bus. She has written a book on teaching young children, and is in the process of re-writing it for possible distribution on the web. Shiela Dawson's program has been the subject of numerous news media presentations. You can visit her website. Click Here.
In 1997, Shiela worked with a group from Los Angeles who have now set up a similar program called Side Street Projects. Their program now has 2 buses, and plans for more. Check out their website by clicking here.
Diane and I spent 3 days with Shiela as she traveled her route, and witnessed the tremendous enthusiasm for the program from both the kids and their parents. We owe a lot to Sheila for making it possible to bring this program to the youth of the Treasure Valley!
~ Youth Soccer and baseball coach for kids from 5 to 12 years of age.
~ Taught woodworking to Cub and webelos Scouts.
~ Worked with science teachers at Pioneer Elementary School to develop hands on science programs. Spent considerable time in the classroom doing science demonstrations.
~ Taught over 600 4th graders how to build and fly a model airplane.
~ Received "Volunteer of the Year" in 1996 from Pioneer Elementary School.
~ Spent 32 years as an Electrical Engineer in Product Design and Manufacturing with Hewlett Packard and Jabil Circuit.
~ I often seek help from my wife Diane, regarding child development and issues of discipline.