"John Grabowski" wrote
"cshenk" wrote

The last project I mentioned was either her toybox or her closet. Both
went well and look lovely. Her skills now include basic painting, basic
sanding of wood before sealing then painting, adding cloth covers to
wood, and quite a bit of general 'stuff'.

I forgot to mention here, making a work list and doing a diagram was taught
with these (diagram for the wood toy box/seat).

This weekend, we go to the local Lowes. I plan to let *her* interface

The only query is if you folks trying to teach real life skills, see
anything I missed?

If you haven't already, have her make a tool and material list for the
project. She could also write down the steps needed to begin and complete
the project. Also teach her to make drawings as part of the planning
process. It is easier to make changes on paper before the project begins.

True! She'll have a list of what she thinks she needs, but is apt to not
refer to it. Drawings this time not related as she's just staining a bare
wood box that is already built.

As Edwin suggested a paint store might be a better place to start. The
competency of a box store employee is a crap shoot. Some may be
knowledgeable and willing to work with a child whereas others will be
clueless. I would also suggest going to the store during an off peak time
when contractors are not around and it is not busy with homeowners.

Yes, saw that. But this time, I want her to work within normal constraints
for a small project. I use the local Lowes often and the paint guys are
good, at least enough for this project. Now Home Depot here? Not so good.

Charlotte added that she wants to bring the box with her. It's not but a
1'x1' square with no top or bottom made of 1"x6" decking wood (raw lumber,
not PT or anything special). It's small and light enough to do so easily.

I think she'll do ok. Last time with the toy box, she was the one to catch
the wood dept guys with her drawing and I just sat back and watched while
she selected the wood parts. She's normally with us when we go and let to
wander on her own to look at stuff if we are looking at something not so
interesting like insulation (grin).

Lately she's been wandering off and looking at the wallpaper selections. A
delayed project is to redo the kitchen so she's looking over patterns and
jotting down the numbers of ones she likes. Next after that, she's going to
measure the room and see how much we need (while I teach her about 'repeat
patterns' and where it will be needing more depending on the pattern). The
wallpaper guy (Greg) knows her by name now and is in on it. Kinda brightens
his day when slow and she stays out of the way when he's busy.