As a homesteading family, I feel we have even more opportunities than most to explore learning practical skills.  We have plenty of room to explore out of doors.  We have animals to raise, love, and doctor.  We have a garden to tend, vegetables to harvest, etc.  Homesteading and home-schooling go hand-in-hand.

My two oldest boys working away on the deck.

My father and my husband are both accomplished carpenters.  They have both built many things including cabins, barns, and houses.  They both know their way around a hammer.  My father who lives only 1/4 mile away from our house decided to build a system of decks at his cabin.  On the first deck, he worked closely with my oldest two sons and occasionally my daughter.  He took his time to teach them what he was doing and where they could help.  By the end of the build, my boys were actually helping him instead of just learning and observing.

A few weeks later, Daddy decided to build the second deck.  This time his only participation was in a supervisory capacity.  My boys, Jake and Clayton, built the deck.  They dug the posts and set them in concrete.  They knotched out the boards to fit around the posts.  They hammered the deck boards.  They braced the deck to keep it stable.  My boys also built benches around the perimeter of the deck.  I was so impressed with their ability and skill level!

My dad taught them how to build stairs.  These three steps connect the top deck with the new deck.  Jake and Clayton learned so much from my father.  It was hands-on school and it was fun.  At the end of the two day period of construction, they could both stand back and admire their accomplishment.  Everyone who has seen the deck or stood on it has raved about how nice it is.  They are shocked that a now 13 year old and seven year old boy were able to build it with supervision.

Clayton measuring the opening for the stairs which will lead to the final and third deck.

Clayton was excited and now has his own toolbox with some carpentry tools.  He also has plans to build both my dad and I a picnic table.  He told me that now he understands fractions better since he took so many measurements.  My dad was making Clayton apply mathematics during the build.  Clayton probably takes the most pride out of the deck project.  He should be proud of himself.

Jake is going to celebrate his 8th birthday soon.  Now he is asking for a load of lumber as a gift so that he can build me anything that I want or need.  How sweet is that!  What a confidence builder the deck project was!  I am so thankful that my dad and husband took the time to teach the boys the skill of carpentry as well as allow them a project to do on their own.

Moments like these really reinforce why I love homesteading and home-schooling.  Both provide so many opportunities for my children to learn and love learning.