In the world of homeschooling, practical skills offer a dynamic approach to education, blending hands-on learning with academic study. Our latest venture into blacksmithing serves as an excellent example of this integration.
Our blacksmithing curriculum is structured to progressively build skills and understanding, starting with simple materials and moving towards more complex techniques. Here’s how we structured our lessons:
Phase 1: Basic Techniques with Playdough
• Objective: Understand the basic mechanics of hammering and shaping.
• Activity: Use playdough to practice different hammer strokes and observe the effects on a soft material.
Phase 2: Working with Copper
• Objective: Learn to manipulate a tougher, yet still malleable material.
• Activity: Apply hammering techniques learned with playdough to copper, observing the differences and challenges posed by a harder material.
Phase 3: Observational Learning at the Forge
• Objective: Introduce the concept of metalworking with heat.
• Activity: Watch a live demonstration of metal being heated and shaped at the forge, discussing the science behind metal expansion, temperature effects, and safety precautions.
Today’s blacksmithing lesson is about molding young minds to understand complex concepts through gradual and immersive learning experiences. By breaking down the skills into manageable segments, we provide a comprehensive education that is both enjoyable and deeply educational.
What unique skills are you integrating into your homeschooling? How do you design your curriculum to include hands-on learning? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below!
-Tony
Intro to blacksmithing at home for kids
https://youtube.com/shorts/GBCwqpAQqgo?feature=share