The root of the word sloyd (or slojd- in Swedish) can imply ‘artfully wrought’ and ‘wisdom and forethought.’ The basic definition is: a slow steady progression of working with ones hands to develop manual and mental skills and to develop character. It can be applied in metal, wood, paper, cardboard or other materials. We used cardstock and bristol board.
"it aims to make them [children] more fit to cope with the difficulties of life, and thus to make them useful and honorable members of the community."
It "...gives practical direction to mental activity. Man is not only born to think, but also to do. He is creative and must embody his ideas in form."
Paper Sloyd: A Handbook for Primary Grades by Ednah Ann Erdich free online
which has instructions, ideas and models to take you through your first years with sloyd.
Our group did this handcraft with 6 year olds on up. As in the PNEU, when students finished making a model, they were encouraged to use their creativity to make up their own creations using the skills they learned and embellishing the models in some way.
You can also search AO and find some interesting Parent's Review articles
that discuss sloyd.
North Bennet Street School in Boston,.
Click the link to see a short video on the benefits of sloyd and the value of hand skills training for today's society from the school's president.