Woodworking, carving and scroll saw art is still alive and well, waiting to be discovered by a new generation. The equipment is inexpensive and you don’t even need a dedicated workshop. Lots of the work can be done right in the livingroom, in the yard or in the den.
There are thousands of possibilities. One great way to introduce children to woodworking is to let them choose to make something they already know. Dinosaurs or pirate ships, airplanes or helicopters, they can make anything that they already love For millions, the smell of fresh cut wood brings back memories of time spent with family, friends or childhood clubs. Whether it is cutting wood for the wood stove on the back 40, pine car races in the scouts or woodworking with family on weekend afternoon.
You can also help them choose a toy that that moves or flies. Gliders, made from light woods and painted bright colors, can be fun to build and even more fun to play with. Making a drag racer or a race car to run on a hill or a track can be amazing; they will not only love making it, but then they can have contests and races for weeks afterward. Building trucks of all sizes can not only be fun to race, but might become family heirlooms.

     Another wonderful toy to build and play with or race is a boat. You can build a sail boat or a cruise ship and play with it anywhere from the local pond to the bath tub! The best thing about building your own wooden toys, whether it’s using a scroll saw, a chisel or sandpaper, you can be guaranteed there is nothing there that you didn't put there. No high lead levels. No sharp edges you don’t know about. Wood working is an ancient and honored craft that is as much fun and challenge today as ever. Get started and the smell of fresh wood and sawdust will hold all new memories for you.

Photos courtesy of publicdomainimages.net Note Paper On Cork Board by Petr Kratochvil

Before allowing your child to touch any woodworking equipment you must first have a basic safety talk with them. Allow them to know what tools they can touch and others they cannot. Also let them know never to enter a workshop without an adult present. Basic simple hand tools such as using a screwdriver and standing with sandpaper are good jobs little ones can help with.
There are wonderful resources you can get as far as woodworking for your child.
One book in particular is called The All New Woodworking For Kids. There are projects children will love. You get more information on wood working with an expanded introductory section on certain wood techniques and of course safety. This is a book created especially for kids and has been completely redesigned with contemporary photographs and nearly 40 projects included.
So now it’s easier and more fun for kids to hand make a bench for their workshop. They can create a storage chest for DVDs that spins, or make a box with a secret compartment drawer.