In a Woodworking area the children can actually use the real tools they see adults and "big kids" using.  They can exert real strength to pound a nail and saw through a piece of wood. They learn to understand "how they work", as well as for the satisfaction of pounding and sawing!  Some children wil incorporate art materials such as glue and pipe cleaners; others will take their creations to the art area to paint!

Woodworking materials include a variety of tools, fasteners, and wood.  You can buy tools and fasteners at discount stores, garage sales, auctions, and flea markets.  Make sure that the hammer heads and the saw blades are securely fastened to the handles.  Make a child-sized work bench by bolting boards to low sawhorses or tree stumps for outside play. For wood pieces or scraps, check your local lumber yard, furniture cabinet makers, building sites; discarded wooden packing crates behind discount, hardware, appliance stores.

Woodworking Area Materials

Tools:
claw hammers (12 oz. heads)
saws (crosscut, 10-12 teeth per inch, 16-18 in. blade)
hand drill, brace, and bit
screwdrivers (those with solid plastic handles are most durable)
pliers (medium size)
vises (mounted at either end of the work bench
c-clamps
sandpaper, sandpaper blocks
safety goggles

Fasteners:
nails
screws
nuts, bolts, washers
wire 

Wood and building materials:
wood scraps and pieces (fir, white pine, balsa)
styrofoam packing pieces
botle caps, jar lids (for wheels)
dowel rod pieces