School Readiness FLEXIBLE Funding

“WOW! What a wonderful experience! We chose the woodwork packs. They contained everything needed. Packs of 25 were perfect for our groups. The packs are a cheaper alternative to the incursion but come with so many different benefits for the children too. [The children] worked together to build/wood work their item. It was so much fun. There is an instructional video/guide from Jim which we watched together with popcorn and then all the woodwork began. We supplied safety glasses and added a few screwdrivers per table. The children adored screwing, hammering, gluing and construction.”

— Julie Irvine, RYE PRESCHOOL

— Continued

“It was a time of bonding, connecting and community. The box/pack is a very cost effective way to have some woodworking in the kindergarten program. It's all cut, done and ready. The children were totally engaged and loved the challenge. So hands on and interactive. The children gained such a sense of self satisfaction as they proudly took their item home to use and share. The experience grows beyond the kinder as items are used at home, hung in a tree or painted and decorated. This experience is a gift that keeps giving. Promoting sustainability too. I highly recommend this company. We plan to do this event every year. It's easy, it's low cost per child and children gain so much. Give it go! YOU WILL LOVE IT!

— Julie Irvine, RYE PRESCHOOL

“The actual making of the planes went so well. This term we have been working on positive coping and problem solving skills so this activity was like a test of everything they have been learning. Happy to say it all went well and they definitely put their skills to work. Thank you so much for making this experience so enjoyable and easy to access. I think it's become the highlight of my year!”

— Karyn Phillips, Wellbeing/Teacher

“Since discovering you I have been recommending you to everyone. ❤️❤️ There is nothing I adore more than a wholesome, educational and incredible learning experience that helps a child’s development. You should be so proud of yourselves because your products are outstanding. ❤️”

— Early Childhood Educator

“The children have been loving the whole experience and it’s a great way for me to assess what level their fine motor and problem solving skills are at. Hope to reach out to you again next year.”

— Padmini, DANDENONG WEST PRIMARY KINDERGARTEN

“The video was fantastic to watch. We were able to easily follow Jim’s instructions. The children just immersed themselves in the project. Some completed their toys without any help and just that look of focus and sense of accomplishment on their faces when they were screwing those screws in! That sense of agency and achievement! Wow Moment! 🤩”

“They were so so proud of their Bird boxes. And Thursday we will be decorating further and putting the finishing touches on. They cannot wait to wrap them and bring them home to their parents for Mother’s Day. The experience was the highlight of our year! We can’t thank you enough for delivering them to us so quickly! 😍”

— 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Teacher

“It has worked beautifully. The instructions were clear and the children were able to complete the work with minimal support from us, which is fantastic. We are so impressed with the sets and how well made they are. Thank you Kerstin and Jim for your support.”

— Padmini, 4-Year-Old Early Years Educator, Dandenong West Primary Kindergarten

“We thank Kerstin and Jim for such an amazing job that you guys do. We had the best time today with the children and they were so excited to see Jim and have been counting down the days for this. Jim is very lovely, was great with the children and so interactive. Thank you for providing us with an amazing experience and we will be back next year with another round of it 🙂. Not only did we do woodwork but Jim [also] taught the children about the importance of our trees and why we should look after them. Definitely recommend Little Woodworkers to all Early Learning Centres, Kindergartens and Primary Schools. Thank you!”

— Merve Ozavci, MILESTONES EARLY LEARNING Keysborough

“Hi Kerstin, Just wanted to thank you and Jim for the amazing woodwork experience for our kinder children today 😊. It was a great engaging experience and Jim is just fabulous with the children. All our children were busy and fully engaged. This afternoon, children were reminding each other about why we need to look after the trees. The children and families were so impressed with what the children made 😊 Looking forward to booking again next year and getting some Woodwork PACKS too. 😊”

— Mariam M., DANDENONG SOUTH PRESCHOOL TEAM

“Little Woodworkers incursions was absolutely incredible. The children were engaged throughout the whole experience and Jim was fantastic. The children were able to use tools, be creative as well as learn so much and the best part, they got to take home what they made. The incursion brough a whole new learning experience for our kinder children. Would definitely recommend for all kinder groups.”

— Melanie Colwell, DORSET EARLY LEARNING & KINDERGARTEN, Croydon

“LEARNING NEW SKILLS: Our commitment to sustainability education and practice comes in many forms, like this unique and engaging incursion run by Little Woodworkers at Ninõ ELA Ashburton. Our little Ninõs learnt how to construct Bird Feeders to be added to their sustainability garden, further instilling sustainable values and the importance of positive action for the environment. This experience supports each child’s sense of connection and contribution to their world, develops a strong sense of wellbeing and leads to confident and involved learners.”

— NINÕ EARLY LEARNING ADVENTURE, Ashburton

“I am absolutely loving your work. Some of my fondest memories of my grandfather is him teaching me the wonder of constructing something out of such a lovely material. Wood! We need more hands-on activities like yours for children. The skills you are teaching are being lost. Keep up the fantastic work!”

— Simon Hutchinson, Director & Creator of CLIMBING TREE NATURE PLAY & SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANCY

“Had Jim through yesterday and in previous years… could not recommend the incursion more. Well informed and knowledgeable, Jim presents a comprehensive and engaging experience where children develop competency with new tools. His discussions allow the children to acknowledge a sense of social responsibility by learning about the importance of trees and sustainable resourcing of wood. A whole morning of entertainment and the children were so excited to show their parents their Bird Feeders/loose part constructions. 🙂”

— Racquel Erin, CARNEGIE KINDERGARTEN (GEKA)

“We had Jim visit us at Lang Park ELC and Kindergarten recently. He had all of the children engaged and listening to his every word! They were in awe as he showed them different tools for woodworking, safety around tools, different kinds of wood and the animals that use trees as their natural habitat. The incursion was hands-on and each child had the opportunity to create their own wooden toy and then take it home! We will definitely book this incursion again.”

— Jessie Gilbert-Hunt, LANG PARK ELC & KINDERGARTEN, Langwarrin

“Such a wonderful experience once again for all the children (and educators too). The parents couldn't believe that the children had made the Aeroplane independently and even more amazed with the use of real tools (so great). We will be extending their experiences with wood over the coming weeks and have a good supply of soft wood and nails. You and Jim are such a good team! One day you must come along and see how the children respond to Jim's woodwork session... Thanks again for everything you both do to provide this important experience for our young children.”

— Annette Tsindos, Director & Early Childhood Teacher, CIVIC KINDERGARTEN, Middle Park

“We were thrilled to have Jim from Little Woodworkers come to our Kinder last week for our 4 year old group. Jim engaged the children with his humorous, calm, respectful and easy going manner. It was both educational, filled with knowledge and learning about wood and sustainability practices as well as the practical hands-on side to the incursion. The children LOVED making their Toolbox and we saw much confidence grow in the children. Jim was very organised and everything was set up so well for the children to experience success and learning. We look forward to having Jim back each year…..more if we could!!”

— Linda Toporzisek, KINDER @ FLINDERS, Carrum Downs

“Jim was amazing, the children absolutely loved the incursion and were filled with enthusiasm and excitement the entire time. They particularly enjoyed the animal activity and finding out about the wildlife that lives in our trees. Here is what the children have to say, "Can Jim come every day?", "I liked when Jim pretended to be an Owl.", "IT WAS THE BEST DAY EVER!" Thanks again Kerstin and Jim for organising. ☺”

— Bronte Lincoln, 4-Yr-Old Teacher, GOODSTART EARLY LEARNING, Brighton