You want your student to flourish.
So do we!
Rather than helping students learn to think for themselves and become responsible adults, much of our education system is designed to train a student who will conform to the patterns and purposes of institutions or agendas; no questions asked.
We think this should change.
And we know it will take intentional parents, creative teachers, legit extracurricular activities, and encouraging communities to see transformation through the amazing students of this generation.
Arkansloyd (what’s in a name?)
Sloyd (slöjd) is the Swedish for “handicraft”. It comes from Finland and you can find some writings about its history online. We plan to write and make some videos about sloyd soon!
Anyway, we’re in Arkansas and teaching sloyd. Hence, Arkansloyd.
Here are a few reasons we teach handicraft classes the way we do:
students need more time in nature (not just outside)
students need to create with natural materials with their hands
students need to learn to make tangible mistakes in an encouraging space (wood grain and sharp tools are good teachers)
students need to learn to lead (they take turns leading the warmups, safety guidelines, and core principles each class)
students should learn to love and respect honest, hard work
About the Teacher
Durgan Maxey is the founder and teacher for Arkansloyd handicraft classes.
Durgan has been woodworking and carving with greenwood and other crafts since 2021.
His more than ten years of teaching experience has mostly been in music, with students and kids camps, Montessori music groups, private music lessons, and workshops.
He and his wife and two children are on a journey learning to tend the earth, hear the voice of God, and bring peace and life in community.
