Report Copyright Infringement View in OSM UK

Description

Squirrel Scout Activity Plan
Wooden Spinning Wheels
Activity Name: Wooden Spinning Wheels
Location: Wild Garden
Group: Squirrel Scouts (Ages 4–6)
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Activity Overview
Squirrels will create their own wooden spinning wheel toy using simple wooden pieces. They will decorate their wheel with colourful patterns before assembling it using simple hand tools.
This activity introduces Squirrels to the safe use of basic tools, including small hand saws, hammers, and a battery-powered drill, while developing creativity, coordination, and confidence.

Objectives
Introduce Squirrels to basic woodworking tools in a safe environment
Encourage creativity through decoration and patterns
Develop fine motor skills and coordination
Teach basic tool safety and respect for equipment
Promote teamwork and patience

Resources

Equipment
Pre-cut wooden wheels (or discs)
Wooden dowel rods / axles
Wooden handles or bases
Child-safe hand saws
Small hammers
Hand drill or battery-powered drill (leader supervised)
Nails or wooden pegs
Sandpaper
Felt tip pens / paint / crayons
Safety gloves (optional)
Safety goggles

Instructions

Activity Steps
1. Introduction (5–10 minutes)
Gather the Squirrels and explain:
What they are going to build
The tools they will use
Basic safety rules
Show each tool and explain:
What it is used for
How to hold it safely
That tools are only used when a leader is helping
Explain the “Tool Stop” rule:
If a leader says STOP, everyone stops using tools immediately.
2. Design & Decoration (10 minutes)
Before assembling the spinning wheel, the Squirrels decorate the wooden wheel using pens, paints or crayons.
Encourage them to:
Draw colourful patterns
Create spirals or shapes that will look exciting when spinning
This part encourages creativity and makes each spinning wheel unique.
3. Building the Spinning Wheel (20–25 minutes)
With leader supervision:
Drilling the hole
A leader uses a battery-powered drill to create the centre hole (or supervises closely if appropriate).
Assembling
Insert the dowel through the wheel
Attach to the wooden handle or base
Use small nails or pegs with a hammer if required
Test the spin!
Once assembled, Squirrels spin their wheels and see their colourful patterns come to life.
4. Play & Demonstration (5–10 minutes)
Squirrels can:
Spin their wheels
Show their designs to the group
Talk about the tools they used
Learning Outcomes
Squirrels will:
Learn basic tool safety
Gain confidence using simple hand tools
Develop problem solving and creativity
Experience hands-on outdoor learning

Tags

(none)

Badge Links

• Exciting Experiments - Experiments