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The PHS Workshop

Learning by doing is a cornerstone of progressive pedagogy. When students can create physical expressions of their learning, concepts are retained more effectively, and skills are built that can be applied to future learning.

The PHS Workshop: A Creative Hub for All Students

In Fall 2023, Presidio Hill School proudly unveiled our new Dragon Workshop, a dedicated space for woodworking and other creative, hands-on activities for all TK-8 students. This unique space was made possible by the generous contributions from our "Building Together" Fund-a-Need held in May 2023 and reflects the core principles of progressive education.

Learning by Doing: The Cornerstone of Progressive Pedagogy

The Dragon Workshop is designed to offer students a rich, experiential learning environment where they can engage in real-world projects using hand tools and wood. Here, students learn by doing, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The hands-on nature of woodworking allows students to see the tangible results of their efforts, building confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Workshop Activities by Grade Level

TK-2nd Grade:

  • Exploration and Play: Young learners build manual dexterity through play with blocks, sand, sticks, rocks, clay, and other materials. They begin to understand basic tools and their uses in a safe and engaging environment.
  • Introduction to Tools: Students learn the names and purposes of various tools, practicing simple tasks like sanding and assembling pre-cut pieces.

3rd-5th Grade:

  • Foundational Skills: At this stage, students start working on more structured projects. They explore measuring, cutting, shaping, and joining wood, learning to use a variety of tools safely and effectively.
  • Creative Projects: Projects such as birdhouses, simple furniture, and decorative items allow students to apply their skills creatively and practically.

6th-8th Grade:

  • Advanced Techniques: Older students tackle more complex projects, such as building functional furniture, intricate models, and collaborative large-scale pieces.
  • Mentorship and Leadership: Middle school students participate in Challenge Days, where they demonstrate tools and techniques to younger peers, fostering a sense of leadership and community.

The Impact of the Dragon Workshop

Woodworking and carpentry offer students an engaging medium to develop a variety of useful life skills that extend beyond the classroom, including:

  • Patience and Determination: Projects often require sustained effort and resilience.
  • Motor Skills and Dexterity: Fine motor skills are honed through precise tool use.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Tasks like sawing and hammering enhance coordination.
  • Design Process: Students learn to plan, execute, and refine their projects.
  • Math and Engineering Skills: Practical applications of measurement and structural design.
  • Creative Problem-Solving: Students encounter and overcome challenges.
  • Stress Relief: The focused, tactile nature of woodworking is calming.
  • Self-Confidence and Agency: Successfully completing projects builds self-esteem.

Fostering a Collaborative Community

The Dragon Workshop provides an opportunity for collaborative learning. Students work together on projects, developing teamwork and communication skills. They learn to share ideas, give and receive feedback, and solve problems collectively, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.

Progressive Education in Action

Progressive Education is a philosophy that honors the reality that true and lasting learning is both experiential and emergent, based on authentic experiences and the child's own interests. At PHS, we understand that the process of learning and the lived day-to-day experience of children in school are as important as any specific content learned or skills acquired. The Dragon Workshop embodies this philosophy by allowing students across all grades to pursue projects that interest them, encouraging exploration and innovation.

Looking Ahead

We are excited about embracing this foundational element of progressive education at PHS. Woodworking is a creative process that encourages students to be agents of their own learning. High interest leads to high engagement, and working with hands fosters creativity, perseverance, mental health, and mindfulness.

We invite you to visit our workshop, see the incredible projects our students have created, and witness the joy and learning that happens when students are empowered to explore and create.