2-057 Course

Back to Basics: Carpentry

Practical ideas and strategies for carpentry in the early childhood curriculum.

Created By Angela Bush & Claudia Thompson - ECE Learning Unlimited
Included in ECELU Club Subscriptions
Learn at your own pace, when you can from any device. No time limits. 

Hammers, saws, and real tools in the hands of children? 

Absolutely! When it's set up right.

This back to basics toolbox is your complete guide to bringing carpentry into your early years programme with confidence. Carpentry offers children so much more than woodworking skills. It builds resilience, problem-solving, fine and gross motor development, mathematical thinking, and genuine pride in creating something real. But for many educators, the idea of introducing tools and a dedicated carpentry space can feel daunting.

That's exactly why we've put this toolbox together.

Who is this for?

Early childhood educators.

Learning Time

This self-paced course is approximately 1 hour of learning time.

Skill Level

Suitable for beginner early childhood educators.

What will you learn?

Inside, you'll find everything you need to design, resource, and run a carpentry space that's inviting, purposeful, and safe:
  • Setting up the space: layout ideas, must-have tools and materials, and tips for making carpentry accessible rather than intimidating
  • Safety first: practical risk management strategies so you can confidently say yes to real tools and real learning
  • Curriculum connections: clear links to Te Whāriki and the EYLF, so you can articulate the why behind the sawdust
  • Engagement strategies: ways to spark curiosity, sustain interest, and extend learning as children's skills grow
  • Ready-to-use ideas: ideas and inspiration you can adapt to your own space and tamariki

Every resource is self-paced and downloadable, so you can dip in when it suits you, revisit what you need, and build your carpentry programme one confident step at a time.

Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing space, this toolbox will help you turn carpentry from a "maybe someday" into a thriving, well-loved part of your curriculum.
Certificate of completion provided for your professional learning records

Take a look at what is inside the course: 

About the Course Creator

Angela Bush

Founder - ECE Learning Unlimited
Bachelor of Education (ECE), Diploma of Nursing, Diploma of Teaching (ECE)

Angela is a degree qualified and registered ECE teacher, multiple ECE centre owner, curriculum leader and business manager of ECE Learning Unlimited. She is also a registered nurse.

With over thirty years in ECE and centre ownership, Angela has a wealth of experience and knowledge in successful ECE leadership and centre management.

Over the years Angela has also had roles as a lecturer in ECE, nanny, teacher, and mentor. 
ABOUT THE COURSE CREATOR

Claudia Thompson

ECE Learning Unlimited
Claudia is highly regarded for her expertise as a qualified Early Childhood Education (ECE) educator, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. 

She plays a critical role as a creative and innovative content creator for ECE Learning Unlimited, where she continuously strives to develop engaging and educational resources for young learners.

What others said about this course:

I am a huge advocate of risky play and real life tools and experiences, having this guide to reassure me - it is ok! and it should be part of the curriculum for the rich learning it provides has been the kick start I needed to include it into our program. So many fabulous guidelines and 'getting started' tips means there is no reason not to get started asap! Also, great theory behind all the learning to pass on to whānau and processes to follow to make it risky not hazardous.
— JANE
I liked the idea to keep it simple, build perseverance, control, and work in small numbers with a foundation of safety expectations.
I also liked the printable cheat sheets, and ideas for making, building and use of tools and materials
— MARNIE
It enhanced my confidence in implementing carpentry and in focusing on what I learn from it. 
— SANJE

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