The school-age children noticed that some of their educators were wearing metal embossed bracelets. The school agers were curious about them and asked if they would be able to make them one day. This activity requires a significant amount of time to complete, so the educators thought it would be a great idea to add METAL EMBOSSING to the winter camp. This activity invited children to learn about ‘EMBOSSING and ENGRAVING’ techniques while adding on new vocabulary. We had a range of ages in the class from JR kindergarten to 5th grade.
Alayna asked, “How are we going to make these?” The educators thought looking up blacksmiths on the iPad could provide the children with some information. “Wow, that’s cool!” You could hear the children saying.
The materials used were metal sticks, hammers, metal piece platform, alphabets stick and stamps. It was easy enough for older friends to use hammer and place their fingers safely but more challenging for the younger peers whom required more assistance from the educators.
At first, the educators showed the children the steps involved. Next the children were divided into two groups with mixed ages, in order to provide the older children an opportunity to foster leadership skills, help problem solving, and for all children to enhance their teamwork skills.
Autumn and Colton independently chose the words they wanted to add on their bracelets. Autumn offered to help Emma and Paisley emboss their bracelets. She asked what they want to write and assisted them with patience. These encouraging interactions demonstrated deep play, acts of kindness, and enhanced their social connections.
The process of hammering and holding the stamps in one place was a little difficult at times for the children. With more practice and knowledge seeking we wonder if it will get easier the next time we do this. Perhaps we could try using toothpicks on tinfoil to enhance the fine motor skills. The children may want to come up with a way to add colour to their bracelets.
The goal in the program is to incorporate new ideas and techniques that they do not learn or explore in school. This risk play has been an opportunity for children to take chances without the fear of failure and being free to quit and create own unique versions pushed them to try more. Our group developed resilience, self-confidence and risk assessment abilities.
