Carving Children's Character
Empower children with the art of woodworking.
Our Mission
To strengthen children’s character through woodworking, where our sole aim is to foster self-reliance, nurture concentration, coach perseverance, encourage neatness, and instill an appreciation for labor – all of which will prepare them for their future.
About Slöyd Experience
Established in 2019, Slöyd Experience is a unique and innovative nonprofit organization based in Louisville, Colorado, dedicated to providing an authentic, educational experience to youth. Through the simple act of "working with your hands," Slöyd Experience aims to promote educational completeness and overcome current gaps in our educational system. Slöyd Experience is grounded in six core competencies that form the foundation of its mission:
Self-Reliance
Neatness
Perseverance
Concentration
Love for Labor
Resilience
Through these six competencies, Slöyd Experience empowers youth to become well-rounded individuals with a deep understanding of themselves and the world around them. By promoting authentic, hands-on learning experiences, Slöyd Experience is helping to bridge the gaps in our current educational system and provide a brighter future for the next generation.
The History of Slöyd Experience
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Our program draws inspiration from the renowned "Theory of Educational Slöyd" by Otto Salomon. A revered educational approach that has been foundational to Scandinavian teaching since the early 1800s, Slöyd’s principles remain integral in their education systems today.
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The instruction must go from easy to difficult.
The instruction must go from simple to complex.
The instruction must go from the known to the unknown.
The teaching must lay a good foundation.
The teacher should possess education tact.
The teaching should be interesting in character.
The instruction should be intuitive in its character (i.e. it should be given as far as possible through the senses, especially touch and sight).
The teaching should be individual in character.
The instructor should be a teacher and not an artisan.
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The Teacher's Hand-book of Slöjd: As Practised and Taught at Nääs
By Otto Aron Salomon, Carl Nordendahl, Alfred Johansson
By Otto Aron Salomon
Elementary Sloyd and Whittling
By Gustaf Larsson
By the Numbers
In 2023, 396 students enthusiastically participated in Slöyd's diverse programs, which included after-school, summer, and in-school sessions. Notably, Louisville Elementary School integrated the Slöyd curriculum for 165 students in 2nd and 5th grades, each dedicating 34 hours to traditional woodworking. This method emphasizes the unity of hands, head, and heart, aiming to cultivate a growth mindset. Overall, Slöyd delivered over 5,100 hours of hands-on learning.
Slöyd in Schools
Slöyd education stands strong independently, yet its true potential shines when integrated into classroom settings. We're privileged to receive enthusiastic support from local educators and administrators who envision the Slöyd Experience for their entire classes.
As of Fall 2022, the Boulder Valley School District officially recognizes Slöyd Experience as a Community Partner. Through this alliance, we not only fund but also enhance the school district by weaving our program into their curriculum. Since 2022, each academic year, every 2nd and 5th grader at Louisville Elementary School benefits from a dedicated hour of Slöyd immersion weekly!
What Teachers Are Saying
“In the Slöyd classroom, success is about learning to make mistakes and understanding how to persevere. That, to me, is a much more inclusive definition of success in school, one that honors the research on multiple intelligences and grit - one that honors all children. As a result, all our students are finding personal success in school which then helps them to grow in their academic and personal growth pursuits as well. I can see this at play when students are challenged to try something new in the classroom or when they make a mistake; with their experience at Slöyd this year, they're much more likely to take risks and try new things because they know that those are just steps in the learning process. Sloyd has helped them understand this much more concretely. Imagine what could happen if we were able to offer Slöyd programming to students everywhere.”
Empowering Through Your Generosity
The success and reach of Slöyd's educational initiatives are fueled by the kindness and support of our community. It is through the generous donations from members like you that we're able to inspire and educate hundreds of young minds, giving them hands-on experience and nurturing a growth mindset. Your contribution is not just a donation; it's an investment in the future of education and in the leaders of tomorrow. We warmly invite you to continue this journey with us and encourage you to donate. Together, we can make a transformative impact.
