A reader asks:
"I'm not very handy. Is Do-It-Yourself Early Learning written for me?"

Redleaf Press author Jeff A. Johnson responds:

Yes. If you can handle a pair of scissors and a roll of duct tape without inadvertently sticking yourself to a wall, this book is for you. I know you're too busy to spend a lot of time fiddling around with complicated instructions, special materials, and lots of tools. The projects in Do-It-Yourself Early Learning are so easy that a child could do most of them. My daughter helped develop many of the projects, and I've heard from many providers who have the children in their care help with project construction.

The projects in the book can be divided into three categories:

• Downright Simple: You buy the materials, place them in front of the kids, and the kids play, explore, and discover.

• Trouble-Free: You have to follow some straightforward instructions to modify the materials. You might have to use some basic hand tools.

• That-Was-Easier-Than-I-Thought-It-Would-Be: The instructions are more detailed and there may be power tools involved, but in the end they are simple, uncomplicated projects.

The vast majority of the projects in Do-It-Yourself Early Learning fit into the first two categories. This book was written for providers with limited time, a limited budget, and limited experience with tools. Before the book was published, I tested most of the projects with real live caregivers—just like you—to make sure the projects were not too complicated or overwhelming.

For the few projects that require power tools, I have a simple solution. If you don't have access to the tools or if the idea of using them is intimidating, ask someone to do the project for you. These projects can be great for spouses, parents of children in your care, or even grandparents who like to work with tools and who feel comfortable with do-it-yourself projects.

I'm confident that you can "do it yourself," but if you have questions along the way, feel free to e-mail me at jeffajohnson@cableone.net for an answer.

A former director of a child care center, Jeff Johnson became a Family Child Care Provider in 2003 with his wife, Tasha. Their program focuses on emergent learning in a play based environment.

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