DOCUMENT RESUME PS 005 898 TITLE INSTITUTION Mass. PUB ... · The Desk. 21-22. TUmbling Rugs, Lock Box, Blocks. 23. The Rocking Boat 24 Woodworking Suggestions. 2546. New Equipment

DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 068 163 PS 005 898

TITLE Pre-School Equipment for a Multi-Use Center.INSTITUTION Stone Mountain Educational Projects Inc., Conway,

Mass.PUB DATE (72]NOTE 32p.AVAILABLE FROM Stone Mountain Child Development Center, 60 Broad

St., Westfield, MA 01085 ($2.00)

EDRS PRICE MF-$0.65 AC-$3.29DESCRIPTORS *Child Care Centers; Construction (Process);

*Educational Equipment; *Flexible Facilities; Guides;Physical Activities; Physical Recreation Programs;*Play; *Preschool Programs; Recreational Activities;Specifications

ABSTRACTPreschool equipment designed for use in rooms and

facilities that are also used for other purposes is described andspecifications given. The equipment is portable, inexpensive to make,provides its own storage, adds color to the room, and is durable.Detailed plans and pictures are given for an easel, water table, wart(bench, appliances in a housekeeping corner, housekeeping storagecabinet, puppet theater, playhouse, store, climbing bars, storagecabinets, desk, tumbling rugs, lock box, blocks, and rocking boat.Woodworking and finishing suggestions are also given, with emphasison the functional, safe, and attractive aspects of furnitureproduction. In pages added since the first printing, additionaldirections are presented for a teepee, more appliances, and outdoorplay equipment such as slides. (I,11

U. S. DEPARTMENT Of HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFAREOFFICE OF EDUCATION

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRODUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THRPERSON DR ORGANIZATION ORIGINATING IT. POINTS OF VIEW OR OPINIONSSTATED DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT OFFICIAL OFFICE OF EDUCATIONPOSITION OR POLICY.

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FOR A MULTI-USE CENTER

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Stone Mountain Educational Projects IncorporatedRoaring Brook FarmConway, Massachusetts 01341

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FILMED FROM BEST AVAILABLE COPY

Contents

New Equipment Design page 2Stone Mountain Educational Projects 2

Classrooms with equipment in use and Stored 3-4The Easel 5-6The Water Table 7-8The Work Bench 9-10The Housekeeping Corner - Appliances 11-12Housekeeping Storage Cabinet 13-14The Puppet Theater, Playhouse, Store 15-16Climbing Bars 17-18Storage Cabinets 19-20The Desk 21-22TUmbling Rugs, Lock Box, Blocks 23

The Rocking Boat 24Woodworking Suggestions 2546

New Equipment Design

Child care centers are often operated in-rooms that are alsoused for other purposes. This multiple usage of facilitiesmeans that the children's equipment must be moved fairly often.The equipment described in this booklet meets the needs forsuch usage. It is portable, inexpensive to make, providesits own storage, adds color to the room and is extremelydurable.

We hope that the detailed plans and pictures provided herewould lead to the involvement of parents and community peoplein the construction of the equipment. In the event that thereare no woodworking facilities available for a center to use,these plans could be given to a local trade or vocationalschool which would probably produce the article needed for thecost of the materials.

We have not copyrighted any of the enclosed material sincewe wish to share our ideas and make them freely available toanyone working with children. Suggestions for improvementand new ideas for equipment would be welcomed, and we wouldappreciate hearing from readers about the ideas contained here.

Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain Educational Projects Incorporated is a private,non-profit, educational group whose beginning was in thenational headstart program and whose purpose is to implement theheadstart philosophy in areas not covered by the national program.This booklet is a result of our experiences in headstart andat the center in St. John's Church in Westfield, Massachusetts.The price of the booklet covers the cost of production, handlingand postage.

Page -2-

A Room Arranged for Pre-school Use(Room #9)

The Same Room Arranged for Church Use

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A Room Arranged for Pre-school Use(Room #10)

The Same Room Arranged for Church Use

Page -4- 4

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The Easel

The picture below shows the easelin use.

The picture below shows theeasel folded.

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Page -5-

This design has provenextremely practical inuse.

There are four paintingstations which replacetwo traditional easels.

The trays hold disposablepaint cups and catch paintruns.

The storage shelves under-neath hold a large supplyof paints, brushes, aprons,paint cups and paper.

The castors enable theeasel to be rolled ontoan absorbant rug whichkeeps paint spills frombeing tracked about. Theeasel can be easily rolledaside when the cots are putout for sleeping.

In its storage positionthe easel is a completelyenclosed box which can berolled against the walland even serve as a benchin that position. Thereare rubber tack bumpersto keep the walls frombeing scratched.

The Easel (continued)

Material list and approximate

1 - 4sx81x3/8" AC plywood1 - 4'x4'x3/8" AC plywood1 - 81x1"x3" #2 pine1 - 8'xl"x4" #2 pine1 - 38"x1"x2" #2 pine1 - set 11" castors1 - quart enamel paint2 - ounces glue2 - pairs 2" strap hinges1 - pound 6d box nails2 - dozen 3/4"x#8 wood screws

cost! Tools needed!

$5.192.80.40

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.20

2.303.00.30.70.3040

$ 16.15

Pieces to be cut from above material!

hammercross cut sawscrewdriver2" paintbrushsandpaperbrush cleaner

1 - 19"x48"x3/8" plywood for top2 - 22"x48"x3/8" plywood painting surfaces2 - 1 "x4" x38" paint holder with ten 23/8" holes2 - 191"x22" high end pieces2 - 19"x463/4"x3/8" plywood for shelves1 - 14°3E46 3/4Px3/8" plywood inner divider2 - 1"x3" bottom supports2 - 1"x2"x19" shelf cleats1 - set of castors2 - pairs 2" strap hinges1 - holding brace for painting boards

Assembly sketch for above p ecest

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The Water Table

The Water Table in uses

Water Table in Storage Positions

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Page -7-

7

The water table (sand table,or bean table) is anothergood example of what we havebeen attempting with our newequipment designs.

This table is mobile due toits castors. You can fillit at a sink and then rollit to a rug so that spillsare soaked up. The bottomprovides storage for playitems and for the cover.It can be siphoned with ahose by rolling it to thenearest lavatory.

The inner rail of woodenstrips keeps many waves fromspilling over as well asproviding structural strength.

Aquatic designs; the duck,fish, swan and sailboat wereadded for color and for theusage symbolism that the toolpictures served on the workbench.

The plastic aprons shown inuse here are the same onesthat are used with the paintactivities and for messylunches (spaghet Abouttwelve of these aprons can bemade from one piece of showercurtain. The edges are madefrom bias binding (3/4 packper apron.) They are easilywashed in a washing machineor by sponging. Make surethat the head opening ismade large enough. About aneight inch opening is right.The aprons cost about 25¢each for material, and youwill appreciate having themas much as we have.

The Water Table (continued)

Material list and approximate costs Tools needed:

1 - 4' x 8' x 3/8" AC plywood hammer

*50}1 - 18" x 4' x *" AC plywood cross cut saw1 - 1" x 3" x 3' - #2 pine screwdriver3 - 1" x 2" x 8' - #2 pine 1.44 metal shears1 - 1" x 2" x 12' - #2 pine .72 2" paint brush1 - 28" x 5' aluminum flashing 3.00 brush cleaner1 - pound 8d box nails sandpaper5 dozen 1" x #8 wood screws .75 ruler6 ounces wood glue .601 set 1-1" castors 2.301 quart enamel paint ,--322.-

18.54

Parts to be cut from above materials:

1 - 4' x 20" x 3(8" plywood back A2 - 18k" x 195/8' x 3/8" plywood sides it

1 - 4' x 18k" x 3/8" bottom C1 - 4! x 9" x 3/8" front panel D1 - 18t" x 47" x 3/8" cover E1 - 18" x 47" x *" water tank bottom F2 - 1" x 3" x 18" bottom side nailers G2 - 1" x 2" x 18t" cover holder for inside storage H2 - 1" x 2" x 47" supports for *" tank support I

2 - 1" x 2" x 16.1" supports for *" tank support J

2 - 1" x 2" x 47" inner rails to cover water tray edges K2 - 1" x 2" x 16-3/4P inner rails as above L2 - 1" x 2" x 48" top rails for ]ding sides M2 - 1" x 2" x 15*" top rails short sides N1 - flashing folded to fit inside box - 18" x 47" 0

Assembly sketch for above parts:

Page -8-

The Work Bench

The Work Bench in use

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The Work Bench stored

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Page -9-

5

This is a good piece tobegin with since it isthe easiest and fastestto build.

The 2" top boards shouldbe stained because paintwould chip very quickly.

The sides can be paintedfor room brightening, andthey can have pictures oftools painted on them.

A small plastic dust panand counter brush can bestored on the shelf, andchildren should be encouraged to clean afterthemselves.

Any lumber scraps can beused. Homosote, a pressedwood product is good sinceit saws and nails easily.

One inch roofing nails haveworked best for us. Theydon't usually penetratethe table top and are easyto drive.

Removable clamp on vises areeasily stored and work well.

We believe in using realtools; 12 to 14 ounce hammers,and small carpenter saws thatreally cut. Under adequatesuperVision these tools causeless frustration and feweraccidents.

The work bench shelves carryall the materials and tools,

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The Work Bench (continued)

Material list and approximate costst Tools neededo

8 feet of 2" x 12" spruce $ 2.88 hammer43" of 1" x 4" #2 pine .36 cross cut saw18 feet 1" x 2" #2 pine 1.08 2" paint brush1 sheet plywood 3/8" x AO x 8'AC 5.19 screwdriver1 lb. 8d box nailsi

.15 rulerT lb. 4d box nails .15 brush cleaner2 ounces glue .301 set castors 11" 2.301 pint enamel paint 1.80* pint wood stain .90

$15.11

Parts list to be cut from above materials

2- 2" x 12" x 48" top of workbenchfrom1- 22" x 47*" shelf from 3 8" plywood

1- 22" x 48" boti.om from 3 8" plywood20" x 22" sides from 3 8" plywood

1., ,'0" x 48" back from 3 8" plywood

R- ." x 4" x 211" cleats for bottom2- 1" x 2" x 43" cleats for back1- 1" x 2" x 42" cleat for bottom4- 1" x 2" x 211." cleats for shelf andAssembly sketcht

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Page -10-

The Housekeeping Corner - Appliances

The Housekeeping corner in uses

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Page -11-

1

It is unusual to havethese pieces in one section,but the ease of movement ofthe castors and the non-tipelement makes up for thelength. As one unit theymake a good room or areadivider.

The refrigerator unit hasan inside shelf to keepchildren from climbing in.

The oven door, which opensdownward, reaches the floorso that if it is stepped onthe hinges won't loosen.

There are magnetic catcheson all doors which are holdingup well.

The unit has a large insidearea which we utilize forthe weekend storage of ourother equipment such as therecord player and records.

The sink is a removeableplastic basin which makescleaning easy.

We purchased metal pots andpans that wouldn't break, butthe paint peeled.

The dishes are a heavy weightplastic which has held upwell.

The Housekeeping Corner - Appliances (continued)

Material list and approximate costs* Tools needed:

1 - 8ix2"x4P spruce $ .96 hammer

2 - 412(81x3/8" AC plywood 10.38 cross cut saw

1 - 1012(1"x2" #2 pine .50 screwdriver

1 - 81x1"x3" #2 pine .56 hole saw

1 - 1'xl 3/8" round closet rod .30 2" paintbrush

1 - set castors 14" 2.30 brush cleaner

1 - pound 6d box nails .30 ruler

1 - 6 ounces wood glue .60 small artist's brush

4 - pairs 2" strap hinges 1.40 sandpaper

4 - magnetic catches 4.00

4 - cabinet pulls 3.20

1 - quart enamel paint 3.00

1 - quarter pint enamel paint .80

$ 28.30

Pieces to be cut from above materials

1- 6'x3/8"x stove and sink 22", cupboard and frig. 35", each 18" wide A

2- 6'x2 "x2" for bottom frame B

2- 10"x2"x2" bottom frame C

1- 15ex32"x3/8" refrigerator door D

1- 16 3/4"x13 1" sink cabinet door E

1- 15"x13 7 cupboard lower door F

1- 16"x13 " stove (oven) door G

1- 154"x18" oven end piece H

1- 4"xl7f"x3/8" upper stove back for knobs I

1- 4"x171"x3/8" upper sink back for faucets and spout J

2- 1"x2"x322" frames for refrigerator door K

1- 1 "x3 "x14" door frame between sink and cupboard L

1- 1"x3"x16" oven door frame M

1-. 15rX6'X3/8" bottom N

1- 4! 5 3/4"X15eX3/8" surface for sink and stove, 10.3/4" sink hole 0

1. 1"X3(0.5 3/4" front support P

7- 1 "xl 3/8" closet rod for stove knobs and faucets Q

1- 1-3/8"x44" sink spout R

2- 17 5/8"x12"x3/8" sides for cupboard top S

2- 12"x17"x3/8" shelves for cupboard T

1- 18"x12"x3/8" top for cupboard U

Assembly sketch for above piecesi U

Page -12-

1.2

The Housekeeping Storage Cabinet

Storage cabinet in use

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This is a storage unit thatis designed to hold a partic-ular type of material. Thelockers and shelves are made

4 " "vertical on one side for hangingdress up clothes. The shelveson the other side are designedto hold the smaller items of

1 the housekeeping corner.

111111 This divider is hinged sothat the angle of openness isadjustable. Since this unitopens at an angle it is almostimpossible to tip over. That

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non-tip design allows for the4

use of shelving that is muchnarrower than the shelving onother storage cabinets.

Storage Cabinet closed

Page -13-

13

This unit is very simple indesign and easy to make. Theshelf material is twelve inchwide pine boards which holdnails well, are attractive iffinished clear, and are easyto work with.

The storage area of this pieceis about thirty cubic feet,yet when folded it hardly seemsa very large piece of furniture.

Housekeeping Storage (continued)

Material list and approximate costs Tools neededs

2 - 4'x8'x*" AC plywood $ 8.00 hammer4 - 1"x12" x 12' #2 pine 12,48 cross cut saw1 - 1"x12" x 14' #2 pine 3.64 screwdriver1 pair 3" loose pin butts 2.00 2" paint brush1 pair trunk latches 1.00 brush cleaner6 ounces glue .60 sandpaper1 pound 8d box nails .30screws for hardware .301 quart enamel paint 3.002 sets l" castors ..,_iiikg_

$35.92

Parts list to be cut from above materials

2 - 6' x 32" x io plywood A4 - 6' x 1" x 12" pine B

9 - 3010 x 1" x 12" pine C

2 - 701" x 1" x 12" pine D

2 - ur x 1" x 12" pine E

1 - 9" x 1" x 12" pine F

Assembly sketch for above parts

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Page -14-

14

The Puppet Theater

Puppet Theater in use:

Theater in storage positions

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There isn't much new to sayabout the desirability ofdramatic play and the waysof setting scenes for it

Adults can describe this asa puppet theater, store, postoffice or play house. The

children will use it for evenmore things in their play.

This is a large piece offurniture. Be sure to measurethe center's doorways beforedeciding on finished size.

"There was this fellathat built a boat inhis cellar

The floor of the puppettheater should be carpetedwith squares of rubber backedsamples to control noise andfor the children's comfort.

The door should be fastenedwith an easy opening catch.Children can panic when theyfeel locked in. We used aroller type cabinet latchwhich has worked well.

We store a large number ofsmaller equipment pieces inthis building over weekends.

This is a very sturdy itemwhich is easy to build andshould be in every center.

The Puppet Theater (continued)

Material list and approximate costs Tools neededs

2 - 41x8'x3/8" AC plywood $10.38 Cross cut saw1 - 4'x16"x3/8" AC plywood 1.50 hammer5 - 8'xi"x2" #2 pine 2.00 screw driver1 - 8'xl"x0" #2 pine 48 2" paintbrush2 pair 2" strap hinges .70 sandpaper1 - 2" wooden door knob .40 brush cleaner1 - 3" hook and eye .151 - roller catch 01 - 47" x3/8" curtain rod .942 - pints. enamel paint 3.601 - pound 8d box nails ,---LIA--

f 20.75

Pieces to be cut from above materials

2 - 4'x42"x3/8" plywood for front and back A and B1 - 30"x48"x3/8" plywood for door end C

1 - 30"x48"x3/8" plywood for back D1 - 32"x20" high window cut from front side A E

1 - 151"x35" door cut from part C F1 - 4'x39 "x3/8" plywood for floor G2 - 16"x48"x3/8" plywood for roof H

1 - 1"x2"x47*" ridgepole I

4 - 1"x2"x41" inner corner braces J

2 - 1"x2"x44" nailers for roof/wall junctions K2 - 1"x4"x311" window shelves, inside and out L2 - 1"x4"x8" tapered shelf supports M2 - 2" strap hinges for door and window N1 - 2" wooden door knob 0

1 - roller catch for door P

1 - 3" hook and eye for window Q1 - 47" curtain rod for window with end brackets R

Assembly sketch for above piecess

The Climbing Bars

Climbing Bars in uses

Climbing Bars stored!

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Page -II-

17

Climbing bars are anecessity for indoorphysical activity.

Children seem proudestof their accomplishmentson this equipment anddrag their parents overto show them what theycan do here.

The entire floor of thisunit should be coveredwith a rubber backedcarpeting both for noisereduction and for safety.Carpet squares can addcolor if they are ofmixed patterns and shades.

Do not put castors onthese bars. Dowels areplaced into the bottomand covered with white,non-marking crutch tips,

The bars should be centeredon a piece of rubber backedcarpeting which serves asa safety mat.

This piece of furniturecannot be designed tofold for storage and stillbe strong. However, thebars can be turned againstthe wall when not in useand filled with other, smallerpieces of equipment.

The Climbing Bars (continued)

Material list and approximate costs

- 4' x 8' x 3/8" AC plywood1 - 10' x 2" x 4" spruce2 - 14' x 2" x 4" spruce15' x 1-3/8" round closet1 - 3/4" x 3' dowel6 3/4" crutch tips1 - pound 8d box nails6 ounces glue1 - quart enamel

$ 5.191.563.64

rod 3.00

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.30

.60

AL$18.06

Pieces to be cut from above materialss

1 4' x 4' x 3/8" back piece1 - 30" x 4' x am bottom2 - 9" x x 3/8" front pieces4 - 2" x 4" x 30" front to back rails4 - 2" x 4" x 41" lateral rails4,- 2" x 4" x 40-3/8" corner uprights6 1-3/8" x 30" round climbing bars6 is 3" x 3/4" dowels for legs6 3/4" cruch tips over dowel projections

Assembly sketch for above piecest

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Page -18-

Tools needed'

hammercross cut sawkeyhole or electricsaber saw3/4" drill bithand brace orelectric drill2" paint brushbrush cleanerruler

Storage Cabinets

Storage Cabinet in uses

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Storage Cabinet against walls

Page -19-

19

The storage cabinetsdescribed here have somegeneral things in commonwhich make them functional.The inner arrangement ofthe shelves will dependupon the materials you wishto store.

These cabinets are 16"deep. That is deeper thanmost commercially availablecabinets and is decided bytheir having castors and stil?being stable, and 16" is away to divide plywood sheetswith less waste.

These pieces are easy tomake, are portable due tothe castors, can be painterto brighten the room and cserve as room dividers innew area arrangements.

Rubber headed tack bumpersshould be placed on thesepieces so that they willnot scratch the walls.

The sixteen inch depth ofthese cabinets allows themto hold large books andthose plastic storage boxesfor toy sets.

Storage Cabinets (continued)

Material list and approximate costs

1 - sheet 4' x 8' x 1" AC plywood $ 6.711 - sheet 4' x 4' x 1" AC plywood 3.501 - set 11" castors 2.30screws for castors .301 - quart enamel paint 3.001 - pound 8d box nails .302 - ounces wood glue

$16.71

Parts to be cut from above materialss

1 4' x 31" x f" plywood2 - x 16f" x 1" plywood2 - 47" x 16" x 1" plywood2 16" x 31" x 1° plywood3 10" x 16" x y" plywood1 - set castors

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Assembly sketch for above parts'

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Tools neededs

hammercross cut sawscrewdriver2" paintbrushbrush cleanerruler

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Page -20-

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The Office Desk

Desk open and in uses

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The desk is a necessarypiece of furniture forany center. This onehas features, describedbelow, that make it veryuseful. However, thisis a complicated job tocomplete and should bedone by someone who hassome skill with tools.

This desk embodies allthe elements of storageand self-containmentthat we have discussedthruought our booklet.The desk is locked atnight as well as over theweekend to insure privacyof the records for parentsand children. The telephoneis on a jack so that it toocan be unplugged to stopunauthorized use.

Staff mail boxes are onthe inside of one drawer.

The first aid kit is alsokept in the desk so thateveryone knows where tolocate it quickly and tokeep it away from thechildren.

The desk faces the class-room and has wing-likesides which form an off-limits area from the child-ren (the coffee pot ison a shelf behind its)The coffee pot, first. aidkit, telephone and personalrecords are thus kept frombeing a hazard to the childrenor from unauthorized use.

The Office Desk (continued)

Material list and approximate cost: Tools needed:

2- Wx8ex3/8" AC plywood $10.39 hammer1-4'x8'x3/8" AC plywood 2.75 cross cut saw2- 4'x8exf" AC plywood 13.42 1/8" drill1- 10'xl"x2" #2 pine .50 screwdriver1- 31x1"x3" #2 pine .24 2" paintbrush3- pairs 6" strap hinges 1.35 sandpaper1- 4" hasp .55 brush cleaner1- set 1-t" castors 2.30 ruler24-3/4"x10/32 round head bolts .401- pound 8d box nails .306- ounces glue .601- quart enamel paint 1.00

$ 35.80

Pieces to be cut from above materials

1 - 41x20-3/4"x3/8" plywood cover2 - 20"x323/4"xl" plywood sides1 - 4ex32-3/4"x3/8" front panel1 - 20"x47"4" desk top (8" down)1 - 27 "x32 3/4"x3/8" left door1 - 20"x32 3/4"x3/8" right door1 - 20"x47"x3/8" bottom panel2 - nailing cleats front corners

1"x2" x32"

1 - 4511"x1"x2" cleat for top1 - 23rx20"x3/8" top and drawer support4 - 16"x5"x3/8" drawer sides (front and back)4 - 20"x5"4" drawer sides2 - 16"x20"x3/8" drawer bottoms2 - 10"x15"x3(8" file drawer ends2 - 10"x19"xls front and back file drawer1 - 19' x14

11

x file drawer bottom4 - 1"x1"x20" drawer runners1 - 25"x12"xf" top left shelf2 - 201"x12"xr sides for left door drawers1 - 25"x12"xf" bottom for left door shelves1 - 12"x24"1/8" vertical divider7 - 9"x12"x3 8" mail shelves 3" apart1 - 14"x12"xf" right hand shelf 6 1" down

Entire left door unit is 9" down from topof door.

1 - 1"x3"x32 i" door stop mounted outside left door

Page -22-

A Tumbling Mat

A good two inch thick mat with plenty of spring and cushioningfor safe tumbling can be made by stacking two rugs. The carpetthat is used under our painting easels is a heavy shag. Whenit is covered by the rug from the story corner it makes a finetumbling mat. The rugs require no storage, and the activity isgreat for bad weather days.

The Lock Box

Different latches, catches and hinges can be displayed for useby mounting small working doors on the ends of a storage cabinetas shown in the picture below. There is no room taken up inthis way. Interest in the doors can be sustained by mountingpictures behind each and changing the pictures fairly often.

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Blocks

Blocks are essential for a pre - school center and can be madefairly cheaply. Two by four inch lumber can be purchased inmanageable lengths and cut in multiples of the width. That is,current 2"x4P lumber is actually 3 and 5/8" wide. Cut someblocks square 3 and 5/8 by 3 and 5/8. Cut some twice that,3 and 5/8 !iy 7 and ?, then some 10 and 7/8 inches and so on.Sanding is important. Manufacturers state that their blockswon't cause splinters because they are hardwood, well sandedand varnished. They are also expensive. Cutting with a sharpblade and sanding well can eliminate most splinters. Thesehomemade blocks can be made very colorful by dying them ina fabric dye. Mix the dye in hot water in an enamel pan andboil the blocks a few at a time. The colors will be vivid andquite attractive. Use the same color for the same length ofblock. Store them in a cabinet with all colors together,

Page -23-

The Rocking Boat

Material list and costs

4'- 1 3/8 "' closet rod

8' Ll" x6" #2 pine

40"4"x2" #2 pine24"x48"-P AC plywood16-ltsx#8 screws1 lb 8d box nails2

2 ounces wood glue1 pint enamel paint

cut design

side view

The rocking boat is a popularpiece of pre-school equipmentwhich need not be expensive.The one pictured here is easyto make, colorful, and lightin weight.The weight has been reduced bycut outs on the sides whichwere done in the shape ofgeometric figures to add. interest.

Tools Needed

hammercross cut sawkeyhole saw or electric saber sawscrewdriver2" paint brush

sandpaper, coarse and medium

Parts to be cut

$ .80 2-24"x13/8 closet rod1.02 4-24"-1"x6" number 2 pine.48 4-3" -1"x2" pine nailers

2 -10" - 1"x2" pine nailers2-12" x 48" xi" plywood rockers

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Assembling Sketch

hand bars

seat

end view

Page -24-

) 4

Woodworking Suggestions

Lumber sizes are nominal exoept'in the case of plywood whichis exact. Nominal means what they are called but not libLitthey actually measure. For example; a nominal two by fourboard actually measures an inch and five-eighths by three andfive-eighth inches. Now there are new standards being set bythe lumber industry which will reduce those actual sizesfurther. In general, lumber will measure smaller than thenominal size. That is important to remember when you purchasefasteners. Nails and screws are exactly the size named.

It is a good practice to sandpaper rough edges on all woodpieces before they are fastened together. That eliminatesthe chance of splinters in hands and makes painting much easier.

Each piece of wood should be glued in addition to nailing.This should be done on all areas that meet as you assemblethe parts. Any good woodworking glue can be used.

Non-toxic paint should be used There isn't much danger ofa child eating paint in a well supervised center, but it's soeasy to get the lead free paint that the ease of mind is worththe difference.

Use a liquid detergent full strength for cleaning brushes whenthe paint is still wet. Detergent is not flammable, and theodor isn't objectionable.

The use of a cement coated box nail is recommended. Drive theheads flush and they will take paint well. The holding powerand reduced wood splitting makes them worth using even thoughthey require a bit more care in driving.

When bolts are used (as in hinges) don't let the ends project.Either get exact sizes or cut the excess and then tap the endssmooth. That eliminates the danger of people being injuredand keeps the nuts from working off.

When cutting plywood with a hand saw, cut down on the good sideso that splinters and roughness show on the poor side whichwill be on the inside of the finished furniture. Electricsaber saws cut in the up direction, so use them with the poorside of the plywood on top.

Most plywood will show hollow spots when cut. Place the piecewith the hollow edge up and run some glue into the placeswhere the laminations are missing. That may not fill the holescompletely, but it will strengthen the other layers and holdfasteners better.

You can do a very good job with simple hand tools, but the morepower tools you have the easier and faster you can finish.

Page -25-

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Plywood sheets are large and awkward to handle. Most of thesedesigns use four foot sections and the lumber yard will usuallybe agreeable to cutting the sheets in half for you.

When cutting large sheets of plywood with hand tools you shouldhave help in holding it. Supports are needed; tables, or boxes.

The plans call for the use of pine for one inch stock insteadof spruce since the pine nails and saws much easier and willbe strong enough in all cases.

Select a straight piece of one by two about four and one halffeet long to use for marking across sheets:

Use a gloss enamel or semi-gloss paint to provide a hard andwashable finish.

Paint dealers often have colors that were either discontinuedor mixed in error. The quality is unimpaired, but it is usuallya dead item for them and they are usually willing to sell forreduced prices. If you can locate the type of paint in a coloryou like, you can save by getting that.

Carpeting for the climbing bars and the puppet theater canbe the rubber backed type. Samples of discontinued colorscan be gotten free or at reduced prices. Cement them in placefor safety and to reduce noise.

Form follows functions

A functional, safe and attractive article of furniture canbe produced by an amateur woodworker using basic hand tools.Remove all sharp edges from boards with sandpaper. Drive allnails flush and watch for points going through. Work slowlyand carefully, measuring twice and cutting once. Enjoy theexperience and produce an honest article for use in your center.

Best wishes from Stone Mountain.

Presidents (L.-11-4....m.-0.0 ()170A4).

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Treasurers

The Teepee

The Teepee set ups

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This is a popular pieceof play equipment whichis easy to make andinexpensive.

The teepee is light andcan be carried with littleeffort,

The size and portabilityof the teepee make ituseable indoors and out.

When folded the teepeeeasily fits in an averageheight closet.

The muslin material takesmagic marker and posterpaint well and can beeasily decorated withbright colors and indianthemes.

Approximate costs $4,63

PLEASE NOTEThis page and the followingfive pages have been addedto our booklet since thefirst printing.

Plans for this new equipmentshown on pages 27 through32 are available but atextra cost,

The price of the complete setis two dollars from

Stone Mountain60 Broad StreetWestfield, Mass. 01085

The Washer - Dryer

The Washer - Dryer in uses

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The Ironing Board in Abuses

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Page -28-

This is a very easypiece of furnitureto build, and thecost for materialis low.

This article doesnot fold for storage,but it has castorsfor rolling and hasspace inside for thestorage of otherthings. The ironingboard fits inside it.

The washer - dryerset is another goodpiece of equipmentfor imaginative play.The design is simplythat of a box withtwo doors and somedecorations.

The ironing board ismade from materialleft over from thewisher - dryer set.There is no additionalcost for its production.

We posed these threechildren on the boardto demonstrate itsstrength.

Material costs $18.06

The Ironing Board

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Page -29-

A good strong ironingboard is really necessaryin a center. This is aa popular play activity,possibly because thechildren can't be allowedto use a real iron.

We feel that the ironingboard is a common appliancand should be made in thecommercial form.

After discarding severalcommercial models whichbroke, we decided to tryto design a strong onethat could be made easilyand cheaply.

This ironing board ismade from the left-overmaterial from the washer-dryer set.. It costsnothing but the laborto build.

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The Bean Bag Boards

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Page -30-

The bean bag boards are agood active outdoor activity.The children can learn tothrow without having tochase a ball.

Cooperative play isencouraged by taking turns.One child stands at eachboard and throws the bagsback to the other.

This is a very portable setsince the total weightincluding bean bags isunder fifteen pounds.

Any figures can be used forthe cut outs. Make theopenings large to unsuresuccess in the throwingand to keep the wind fromblowing the boards over.

The boards can be used astents by simply placing asheet or blanket over them.

These pieces should notbe climbed on unless yougo to a heavier plywoodand metal hinges.

This is a good beginningpiece because it is soeasy to construct, andthe materials are inexpensive.

Material costs $7.98

The Outdoor Equipment

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All parts can bestored in two boxeswhich have wheelsand handles. Theset can then beeasily rolled tostorage. Set uptime is ten to fif-teen minutes by oneperson depending ontheir familiaritywith the equipment.

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Playground in a Box

This consists ofequipment for at leasteight activities whichrevolve around sliding,climbing, balancingand swinging. Thereis enough play areato accomodate fifteenchildren who can beeasily supervised bytwo adults.

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Connections for theplay pieces are ourown design which youcan easily make withbasic tools.

The storage boxes areutilized for climbingin and out (developingbody awareness.) Theyare also used as basesfor the slides, ladders,balance beam and seesaw.

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The material listand plans are intwo parts so thatthe first two boxescould be made with-out the others.

All work can bedone with basictools.

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At our center we takethe outdoor equipmentin at night and don'tfind it too much of achore. If you had afenced yard it couldbe left up all season.

The boxes arehigh which isefficient usepanels.

four feetthe mostof plywood

Overall length is thirty-- five feet.

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Page -32-

This shows the boxesinside each other andladders and slidesinside them also.They can now be tippedback and rolled tostorage.

Material cost under $150