 Review by
Richard SumrallIn a time of cell phones, iPods and Game
Boys, parents sometimes long for the simpler pursuits to excite their
children. In their new book, "Treehouses and Other Cool Stuff," how-to
authors David and Jeanie Stiles have compiled a collection of outdoor
activities designed to stimulate a child's creative abilities, hone their
cognitive skills and complete a project that will give them hours of
enjoyment.
"Carpentry Basics"
Since these projects involve genuine hands-on experience, the authors
begin with a few simple activities to improve the child's motor skills and
their ability to follow instructions. Two of the five projects are building
a sawhorse and drilling a pilot hole. A properly executed pilot hole is
crucial to woodcrafts since it makes it easier to drill or hammer into the
wood.
"Huts, Treehouses and Playhouses"
The 10 projects here represent some elaborate treehouses and playhouses
for your backyard. Some of them, such as the Monster House or the Delta Wing
Space Shuttle, require a real commitment from both the parent and child. For
those looking for something less ambitious, the Ad Hoc Tree Fort might fit
the bill. Part of the appeal is its random design and outlet for creativity
and originality. The project is based on recycling leftover lumber and
nails, using tools and any design your child desires. Accessories for this
treehouse can make use of discarded materials for a tire swing, dartboard,
punching bag or tin-can chimes.
"Things That Move"
The construction fun is not limited to stationary objects. The projects
in this chapter include a downhill racer, recycled raft and a seesaw. Two of
the easiest projects are the Box Sled and the Circle Swing. The Box Sled is
a great way to pull a small child across the snow and requires an old wooden
box, two 1x6 boards and a piece of rope. The Circle Swing is made from two
4-foot diameter plywood circles that are screwed together. A
three-fourths-inch diameter braided rope and an old garden hose (cut to
protect the plywood edge) complete the project. Simply hang the swing about
one foot off the ground and watch the kids pile on.
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"Treehouse Accessories"
You can always pique a child's interest with some projects that
make the treehouse experience more pleasurable. Birdhouses, Tarzan
Swings and Ring Swing games are some of the projects you can work on
together. One imaginative project is a Secret Lock Box. This
activity is perfect for children because "all kids need a box to
keep their secret stuff in." The box is constructed from 1x6 and 1x3
boards, some pivot nails, and a touch latch (for the secret
opening). Signage such as, "Top Secret -- Keep Out!" makes the box
the wonderful addition to a treehouse.
"Stuff to Do in Your Treehouse"
Making music is always a favorite treehouse activity, especially
when your use your own homemade musical instrument. Homemade
instruments include Tom-Toms, Crow Calls and Noisemakers. Two
favorites are the Washtub Fiddle and the Wood Music. The fiddle is
exactly what the name implies; all you need is an old washtub, a
broomstick, a piece of clothesline and an eyebolt. The eyebolt
connects the string to the washtub, and a notch in the broomstick
changes the pitch in the string by moving the stick back and forth.
The Wood Music is a hanging version of a xylophone. Simply cut a
1-inch thick hardboard into seven pieces of 6 to 12 inches in
length. Drill a hole through the top ends of each piece, thread a
wire through the holes and hang the instrument outside the
playhouse.
"Treehouses and Other Cool Stuff" is a wonderful collection of
building activities that can help encourage a child's self-esteem
and instill a sense of accomplishment and purpose. According to the
authors, "All of the projects are designed to encourage the kids to
be creative while having fun. … You can build a variety of projects
that create lasting memories with your children." This book is
recommended for parents and children who enjoy sharing outdoor
experiences and the pleasures that come from a sense of achievement.
[Text from file received from
Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District] |
