Little House Woodworking

Private Acting Lessons

Jennie Lou Harriman

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(4)

This hands-on course features projects inspired by Little House in the Big Woods and Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Class Experience

All learners are required to take the "Hammer Saw Drill: Introduction to Woodworking" flex class before enrolling in this and other woodworking project classes. This ensures that learners have practiced using the tools, know how to use the tools safely, and are familiar with how to join pieces. With all that knowledge and experience, we can focus on projects that are more challenging! Find that class at...

The Little House books were favorites of mine when I was a child. A few years ago, I drove myself around the country to all the places where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived and wrote about. Before going, I reread the whole series and was shocked by the racism in some of the books. I became involved with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association (LIWLRA) and gave a woodworking workshop at Laurapalooza, the Laura Ingalls Wilder academic conference. The LIWLRA is in the process of developing curriculum that addresses those books that include racism.

Since that trip, I have shared Little House woodworking, sewing, and other art projects in weekly classes, week-long summer camps, and in an intergenerational program with learners ages 3-100. I only refer to the books that do not include racism. My focus is on Little House in the Big Woods and Farmer Boy. Using anti-bias curriculum has been part of my teaching methodology for twenty years.

My “Hammer Saw Drill” woodworking courses have been widely successful with homeschool groups, in classrooms and grant-funded residencies for people with disabilities, in small-group classes in community centers, and with builders ages 2 to 100 in an intergenerational program. I created the woodworking book Hammer, Saw, Drill: Woodworking Together in collaboration with 40 children.

The curriculum is designed to empower learners of all ages and abilities, building confidence and independence through hands-on woodworking skills, the responsible use of tools, and the promotion of creativity and problem solving.

I have 30 years experience as an art educator, and have earned both an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts with teaching licensure, and an MA in Early Childhood Education.

My approach to teaching focuses on nurturing individuality, creativity and discovery to help learners develop skills that enhance self-esteem. I love seeing how woodworking helps learners focus, brings them joy, and builds confidence. I keep all of my classes small in order to best assist each learner.

Materials needed:

-all the tools and supplies from the "Intro to Woodworking" class
-wood glue
-16x3/4" wire nails, at least 12
-16x1 1/4" wire nails, at least 2
- 1x3 white pine, at least 21"
- 1x6 white pine, 12"
- 1x2 white pine, 5 1/2"
- lattice or paint stirring sticks, 36"
- pine screen moulding
- craft board
- paint
- paint brush
- paint container
- covering for table (paper or table cloth that can be wiped clean)
- calico fabric, about 2  1/2"X3" 
- 1/8" dowel or wooden cooking skewer
- 9" yarn or string
- 1 piece 8 1/2"x11" card stock
- 4 wooden circles or wheels for the covered wagon (anywhere from 1 3/4" to 2 1/4" will work)

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

55 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.

An adult is required to supervise young builders while they learn how to use tools safely.

Meet the teacher

Jennie Lou Harriman

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(4)

I love working with children and integrating themes and different subject areas into my lessons. I have taught preschool, homeschooled my daughter, and tutored learners in math, reading, and writing (including handwriting). 

I have 30 years...