By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The latest project for John Graham’s construction classes can’t be dismissed as “one for the birds.” It had far greater significance.
As a part of the new Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum at Union City Elementary School, Graham’s construction-trade classes at UC High School integrated with elementary school students to actively engage in a carpentry project to build birdhouses.
While recently studying a section about colonial towns, kindergartners at UCES compared skilled trades of the colonial era to those talents that are still important today.
To help build a background of knowledge, the kindergarten students studied extensively about the materials and tools used for construction during both times beforehand.
The project required high school construction trades students to lead the kindergarten classes in assembling the birdhouses with a see-through back glass. Important skills such as measuring, cutting and safety were discussed between the two groups of students while the project was ongoing.
“I thought this project was definitely rewarding for my high school students,” Graham said. “More importantly, I feel it is of great benefit to make sure our younger students are exposed to skilled trades whenever possible.”
The kindergartners were able to see how the many-discussed skills were used to transform pieces of wood into something they recognize every day. The students were both thrilled and enthusiastic to participate in turning screwdrivers to assembly of the sides of the birdhouses.
Obviously proud of their contributions with the project, some kindergarten students were quoted saying that construction/carpentry industry might be a job they would enjoy doing when they grow up.
The completed birdhouses will be placed throughout the campus of UCES.