Wide-eyed and excited, the students of Montessori pre-school look up at Yass Men's Shed president, David Staines, as he pulls the fifth and largest hammer out of the back of his car.
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Three woodworking benches made by the Men's Shed were delivered to the pre-school last Friday, and Mr Staines gave the children a short demonstration in the use of tools and safety equipment.
Some months ago the Montessori director, Wendy Diggelmann, approached the Yass Men's Shed to see if they would be interested in building some woodworking benches for the pre-school. The Yass Men's Shed wholeheartedly agreed and built three benches by hand.
The children presented the Men's Shed with a thank you letter and a small donation in recognition of all the hard work and time they gave to the project.
Publicity officer for the pre-school committee, Claire Bremner, said that it has been a rewarding project for both the Yass Men's Shed and Montessori.
"We have seen two community based organisations come together and produce hand crafted materials that the children love and the craftsmen are proud of."
Ms Bremner explained that the Montessori philosophy encourages children to learn and develop their own independence by using their own creativity and imagination.
"The addition of the Yass Men's Shed woodworking benches to the Montessori classroom will make a valuable and long-lasting contribution."
