What is Slöyd?
Slöyd is an educational method that was originally developed in the late 1800’s in Scandinavia. The Slöyd program objective is to strengthen children’s character through woodworking, in ways that would not typically happen without the unique experiences they have at their workbenches. Children are guided through a series of progressively more complex woodworking projects, using only hand tools and no machinery, learning the use of new tools and techniques as they progress. All students work at their own pace throughout the curriculum and receive individual instruction. While they work and progress through the program, they inherently develop self-reliance, concentration skills, attention to neatness, and an appreciation for labor - carrying all of those attributes into their daily life.
One of our primary aims is developing resilience and a growth-mindset through woodworking. We will coach your child to recognize there is always room for improvement, and diverge away from a good enough attitude. As such, we will challenge your child to try again, and to work independently throughout the program. This is intentional; it sets the stage to encourage your child to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. Understandably, this can initially be challenging to some children. However, after they are able to overcome that mental resistance, they typically love the challenges that follow. After just a few sessions, a student’s mindset, confidence, and proficiency at a workbench increases rapidly, making everything much more enjoyable.
Slöyd Experience provides an educational environment in which children’s hands, head, and heart are linked together as they learn how to make things. These experiences translate into a mindset that lasts a lifetime.
Classes also available for adults, no prior experience necessary. Call for more info.