Grades 7 and 8 Elginburg and District Public School Students Build Skilled Carpentry Confidence

Grades 7 and 8 students at Elginburg and District Public School are learning hands-on precision carpentry skills and techniques in the classroom, thanks to support from the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) Expanded Opportunities team, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), and a dedicated teacher who loves teaching the trade. 

Last year, teacher Julia Schall originally introduced Grades 7 and 8 students to a half-scale shed-building project while she was teaching at Granite Ridge Education Centre.  

Julia said students had indicated a strong interest in construction, carpentry, and woodworking. After several brainstorming sessions with Jason Quenneville, LDSB K-12 Experiential Learning Consultant, the pair came up with a shed-framing project for students.  

“It was something ambitious and real – something students could really sink their teeth into and feel a great sense of accomplishment,” she said. 

Jason built the prototype the students used as the model to base their own blueprints and cut lists. Students learned a variety of skills, including measurement, framing terminology, labelling parts of the shed, designing blueprints, using tools, and so much more. 
After transferring to Elginburg this year, Julia brought the successful shed-building project with her. 

This year, Jason, along with Jeff Cardy, LDSB Elementary STEM Coach and Teacher, provided tools and lumber, funded by OYAP. 

“Thanks to our work together last year, I felt confident running the project this year on my own,” Julia said. “In the end, that’s the goal for the teachers who work with the Expanded Opportunities team. We become stronger experiential education teachers, and the students are exposed to the world of trades.” 

“There was a lot of work and math involved in this project,” Julia said. “Although it is important, students were not just learning to build. It was more about understanding the world of trades, and the multitude of trades that students can explore. The project is rooted in kids understanding that they have a doorway into skilled trades.  

“What I also love about this project is that it centred everyone; all students were so involved,” she added. “They are already asking about when we can do it again. I’m so proud of them.”

Photos provided by Julia Schall.