Made in New Jersey: New approach revives shop class in schools without power tools
The program provides schools with toolboxes that include hand tools, workbenches and precut wood, along with a curriculum designed for easy teaching.
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A hands-on learning program is bringing back shop class in a new way for students in East Orange.
Maplewood Shop is working to reintroduce woodworking classes without the use of power tools.
Founder Mike Schloff says many students no longer have access to this type of learning experience in schools.
“There’s still a huge need for people that know how to work with their hands,” Schloff said.
The program provides schools with toolboxes that include hand tools, workbenches and precut wood, along with a curriculum designed for easy teaching.
Schloff says the lessons focus on skills beyond woodworking.
“We train them so that they can run woodworking, which gives all the benefits of math skills, critical thinking skills, collaboration skills and career exposure,” he said.
The program is now in more than 250 schools across the country, including Hillside High School.
Students there are building projects like chairs and bookshelves while learning hands-on skills.
“It feels amazing that I get to have that,” one student said.
Organizers say the goal is to bring excitement back into learning and give students a chance to create something with their own hands.
