Every kid loves a hammer, and it is one of the first tools to consider when building up a tool kit for kids. Hammers are also a fantastic way for kids to develop their fine-motor skills.
Where to start? It depends somewhat on their age, but a great way to practice using a hammer and nails is actually with polystyrene modelling foam rather than wood. It is much softer and easier for the nails to go in, but still helps a child to develop the technique and coordination needed to use a hammer.
Even a two-year old can practice this way, using a toy hammer. Later, an actual hammer can be used as well.
Once a child has mastered the technique, they can move on to hammering nails into scrap blocks of wood. A cross-pein hammer is a great tool to start with as it is light and well-balanced, and generally safer than a claw hammer. Keep a pair of needle-nose pliers handy to pull out bent nails.
And finally, when a child is ready, a light claw hammer is the next step. Obviously this has the advantage of being able to pull out nails as well, which is a great skill for children to practice.
There are countless ways to practice nailing. One fun project we tried at home recently was nail hedgehogs, made with scrap wood.
I've even tried the same project with older children at school. It is a great way to develop the technique for using hammers and nails, and provides room for creativity.
Be sure to check out our woodworking plans in our Etsy shop. Our plywood birdhouse is a great project for kids to practice their hammer and nail skills.
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