An introduction to a handicraft for young children that strengthens skills of paper folding, paper cutting and pasting, and ruler drawing while constructing models from paper. Plans for 44 models are included in the book, some simpler and others more complex. The first ten models start with a square piece of paper to form simple objects such as a box and a basket, or more complex ones such as a cart or a barn. Next come 23 models that begin as oblongs, and a final 11 from various irregular shapes. Detailed instructions accompany the plans. Rather than a series of projects to be worked through from beginning to end, consider starting with projects with a few simple pieces and few instructions, and then, as skills increase, choosing projects that match your skill level and catch your fancy. This edition differs from the original in having each model on its own page or pagespread, with instructions for each component placed as closely as possible to its graphic representation. The dimensions on the plans match the dimensions in the instructions and are sized to be easily readable. The components in each plan are represented as large as possible on the page, while still in proportion to each other, so the dimensions on the plans will seldom match the measurements on your ruler.

This is a new edition of the classic book used in Charlotte Mason schools to teach young students how to practice sloyd, the Swedish handicraft discipline. A new introduction has been added that more fully explains sloyd to the reader. The projects are models of furniture and toys that the student will enjoy making.

Originating in Finland in eighteen-sixty-five, Educational Sloyd used handicrafts practised in schools to promote educational completeness through the interdependence of the mind and body. These radical ideas spread throughout Europe and America and had a significant impact on the early development of manual training, manual arts, industrial education and technical education. Today it is generally acknowledged that Educational Sloyd laid the foundations of modern technological education. This book traces the development of Sloyd from its conception by Uno Cygnaeus and the first Sloyd school founded by Otto Salomon, to its enthusiastic take up in Scandinavia and beyond. It examines the debates and controversy which surround the Sloyd system, and considers the transition from ‘hands-on’ craft work to concepts of technology education. Finally, the investigation reveals the lasting legacy of the ideas and practice of Sloyd education, and how it continues to influence technological education. Included in the book: - the foundations of Educational Sloyd - debates, controversy and rival factions - key case studies in Finland and Iceland - the lasting legacy of Sloyd education. This fascinating and comprehensive historical exploration will be of interest to scholars and researchers in the areas of technology education, comparative education and the history of education.