While picking up supplies for your spring projects, why not let your kidsflex their own handy-man muscles. Youngsters can learn how to wield a hammer and build cool stuff at Lowe’s Build and Grow clinics. The free clinics are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at participating stores. Each child receives a free work apron and goggles, and thestore provides hammers for each class.
“Kids learn learn tool safety and how to use tools properly,” says Sharon Robey, an instructor at the Lowe’s store on New Byhalia Road in Collierville. “They’ll learn to protect their eyes, practice fine motor skills as they pick up nails, and develop hand-and-eye coordination.”
Pre-schoolers and elementary school-aged kids assemble wooden fire trucks, race cars, and coin banks. In December, junior woodworkers put runners on Santa sleighs. In February, participants created a Valentine card holder. After completing each project, kids receive an iron-on patch for their work aprons along with a certificate of merit. It’s easy to spot the veterans, who wear aprons covered with patches.
On a typical Saturday, the Collierville class draws 50 to 75 kids. At clinics, parents stand by ready to assist. “Build and Grow gives kids one-on-one time with their parents,” Robey says.
No time to take the clinic? Pick up a project to go. Kits, for $6 to $9, include hammer and goggles. Older kids will find extra challenge in kits for ages 8+ and 12+. Instruction sheets are also available in Spanish. To register for Build and Grow, visit lowes.com and click In Store Service.