Despite the fact that I'm a little leery of stores or companies marketing to my kid, I love Lowe's Build and Grow program designed for kids ages 5 and up. It is free and provides positive, hands-on experience for the kids. Lowe's sells child-sized tools, yet they don't promote them during their program.
There are two Build and Grow sessions per month, usually mid-morning on Saturdays. You have to sign your kid up in advance online and space is limited. Then on the day of the program, your child gets a kit containing all the pieces they will need to create a specific project. Eli's Heart Flower Vase required that he follow the picture chart and nail the pieces in place using a small hammer provided by Lowe's. The crafts are designed to take 10 to 15 minutes and although kids are required to attend with an adult, there are staff helpers to give a hand. Once kids finish, they earn a certificate and an embroidered patch.
Eli's first kit was for a heart-decorated holder for a plastic tube vase. The red heart is covered in chalk board paint, so the kit came with a piece of chalk for Eli to write with.
Eli had a great time. A nice store clerk even gave him some scrap wood so he could practice nailing at home. We admittedly did buy Eli a hammer, work apron, and goggles just his size. He'll be well-practiced before the next Build and Grow!
This just in...
Home Depot has a similar program called Kid's Workshops designed for kids ages 5-12 on the first Saturday each month from 9AM until noon. Thanks for that tip, Diane!
Home Depot has a similar program that meets once a month on a Saturday Morning
Posted by: Diane | 29 January 2013 at 02:30 PM
I didn't know that, Diane. Good to know! Thanks!
Posted by: Valerie J. Frey | 29 January 2013 at 06:40 PM