Category Archives: Why I Do This

Bedframe Bench in Sycamore, Ipe and Cherry

This past December I completed this bench for a close friend. He has served as a mentor and cheerleader for my professional education, woodworking and cooking endeavors for the last five years, so when he asked me to build him a special piece from his grandmother’s solid cherry bed frame, I couldn’t say no. IContinue reading “Bedframe Bench in Sycamore, Ipe and Cherry”

Why I Do This: A Bowl, or a Metaphor

He said, “This bowl was made from Australian Ash that was blown down in Hurricane Ike.  Most of us would call it trash wood, but I cut a few pieces, waited a few years and turned it for you. I thought it an apt metaphor for what you do:  you take in children that othersContinue reading “Why I Do This: A Bowl, or a Metaphor”

Making a Makerspace: Planning the Steamworks

This fall, I move into a brand-spanking new classroom.  As part of this move, I’ve been heavily involved in the planning, organizing and logistics of moving my school’s Math & Science program into our new digs.  In the words of a close colleague of mine, what a great problem to have!  Long term readers ofContinue reading “Making a Makerspace: Planning the Steamworks”

Community Watch: Build A Box!

Eight students, six boxes built and finished.  It was a long day in the shop – nearly seven hours with only a few breaks for liquids.  I can  think of a number of great moments: the first box getting nailed together, the last coat of shellac being applied, the look of what-have-I-got-myself-into as the students tackledContinue reading “Community Watch: Build A Box!”

Why I Do This: Monday Nights

Why I do this is a continuing series of education..er…ahhh…editorials.  If you don’t like ’em, check out my projects!  I do a lot of woodworking here, but I do more teaching in real-life.  Teaching, whether a reader on these blogs, or at TX/RX labs, or at my work, is what I really love.  I’m a self-proclaimedContinue reading “Why I Do This: Monday Nights”

Why I Do This: Well-Being

This is why my school approaches the whole child, stressing social connections for students with neurological differences as well as academics.  You can’t have one without the other as an adult.  Having approached my students like this for three years, I know this:  I won’t teach any other way anymore. A study published this weekContinue reading “Why I Do This: Well-Being”

Why I Do This: Invest in Teaching and the Return on Adventure

I think we need a new measurement for tracking the success of our maker ventures, a new yardstick. I propose “Return on Adventure” via MAKE | Maximizing Your ROA (Return on Adventure). There’s been much discussion of the value, in dollars and sense, of a good teacher, via What is a Good Teacher Worth? – NYTimes.com. I’mContinue reading “Why I Do This: Invest in Teaching and the Return on Adventure”

This Week in the Classroom: Math Effect 2012

My job description will change a little this year: I’m a full-blooded, fully functioning math/sci teacher.  Less woodshop, more classroom projects.  And speaking of classroom projects:   You can recognize a school that gives more than lip service to hands-on learning. Within its walls, you will find the arts, woodshop, theater, music and laboratory science.Continue reading “This Week in the Classroom: Math Effect 2012”