Teaching Craftsmanship: On Skills and Boys' Hands

The book of Genesis tells us that God made man ut operaretur—that he may work. Far from a punishment for the Fall, work is an essential part of man's original vocation. Indeed, it is precisely as a craftsman—a tektōn, in the Greek—who does his work well (cf. Mark 6:3) that Jesus was identified in the Gospels. Education, therefore, even a liberal arts education, ought to take into account this important aspect of man's nature. This week on HeightsCast, we welcome John Paul Lechner and Dr. Joseph Haggarty to discuss how a craftsmanship class can fit into the education students receive at a liberal arts school. Both teachers at Sparhawk Academy in Millis, Massachusetts, Lechner and Haggarty explain how students at Sparhawk engage reality through their unique craftsmanship curriculum. They give examples of the ways even their younger students learn to craft meaningful works for their families and community while gaining skills that will serve them for life. Mr. Lechner and Dr. Haggarty help us see the ways craftsmanship class contributes to the formation of these boys so full of energy and budding strength. Chapters 2:25 Introduction 3:10 Origin of Sparhawk's craftsmanship courses 6:15 Craftsmanship in the younger years 7:19 Craftsmanship and the liberal arts 12:30 A brief history of craftsmanship 15:10 The dignity of working with one's hands 16:20 Examples of projects 23:20 Learning to use energy and strength well 26:35 Getting started with craftsmanship Recommended Reading Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford