Plans/kits for kids

Re: Plans/kits for kids

Barry Irby

I have told my two granddaughters the next time they are at my house we will make Banana Hangers. I was thinking they could draw a heart by folding a piece of paper and drawing half a heart and that could be the base. Have not gotten further than that, but it's a start. When finished, they can take them home to Mom. (don't press for details, I have never seen a banana hanger up close, got some ciphering to do.)

Re: Plans/kits for kids

Gerry in North Surrey

There are a lot of plan books out there, I have used Winfield Plans and Norm Marshall's book for numerous projects. A lot of them are suitable for youngsters.

Re: Plans/kits for kids

Paul Blackwell

Go to website www.foreststreetdesighs.com. On the home page, scroll down to lower right and click Other. From that page, scroll down to second item on the left. There are designs for six action type toys for kids, none looks very complicated

Re: Plans/kits for kids

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

My grandchildren played with wooden trucks or various kinds when they were that age, both girls. These toys were made for their mothers decades ago. Simple doll house a possibility.

Play with ASD kids

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

Paul, it is called "Autism Spectrum Disorder" (ASD) because there is a spectrum/range of severity. In 2013, the diagnosis changed, essentially combining Autistic Disorder and Asperger's Disorder. What this means is that the children may have a mild impairment, and you could get away with just about anything by way of play as long as it is interesting.

Note that some have sensory difficulties and may not like to touch certain surfaces or objects. On the other hand, they may seek out sensory items such as pay dough. Noise is often a problem. You may need to use headphones or other noise-reducing devices.

You would do well to find out their interests beforehand. These are kids who do not like change and may resist anything that is too different. It may be more helpful to their mother to just give her a break by taking over as play director, and let them get on with favourite activities, such as drawing or colouring. Lego and other constructional activities generally go down well.

You need to structure everything, that is, make sure the path and goals are very clear, simple to follow, and do not expect their interest to stay on track for long. But, also avoid giving instructions as much as possible.

They may have difficulty taking turns - be ready for expressions of frustration. Be explicit - they will not be able to read your mind!

Woodworking could be a good area for them as they will respond better to "seeing" what to do that being told what to do. Avoid oral instructions, especially multi-part instructions. Demonstrate, use visuals (photos, video) where you can. Let them copy you.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Re: Plans/kits for kids

NickinMass

Challenges associated with kids "on the spectrum" aside (my oldest is on the spectrum, so I can empathize with the situation), don't forget these are young kids. In addition to attention and sensory issues, they may struggle with just handling tools (most tools are sized for adults, so handles are frequently too big, and many tools are too heavy for small kids to handle well). I started my kids with making a tote-style tool box (and got them appropriately sized tools - small claw hammer, set of screwdrivers, small tape measure, gloves - to put in them). I pre-cut the components and helped the kids nail/glue the pieces together, then had them sand and fill with their own tools.

Whatever you go with, I'd start simple (like pinewood derby type car) see how that goes first, then move to more ambitious projects

Re: Plans/kits for kids

Larry Clinton At Frankfort, (Central) Indiana

Paul, back in the 1950's my BIL was troop leader of a Cub Scout troop. He needed a similar project to what you are looking for!

I had a Jig saw and he went to a local commercial cabinet shop and obtained stacks of 1/4" off cuts of Birch plywood.

I had full size patterns of lawn ornaments like Ducks, squirrels, etc with colors marked on the patterns. I cut out the profiles, and (back then) used carbon paper to transfer the lines depicting the areas to be colored and the "recommended" color.

I also made stakes out of the same material that they glued to the back of the ornaments. According to him they were a big hit with the children. They painted them, attached the stakes and put them in their yards.

Don't know how long they lasted, probably too long for the parents!

Re: Plans/kits for kids

Richard Long

the link doesn 't work. have to change the "h" at the end of design to an "n" for it to work.