Over this term Year 4 have been working on their boat building skills, linked to their topic of Vikings. Knot work has been the foundation for these sessions. This requires co-operation and a lot of patience.
First they were taught the timber hitch to use as an anchor line. Once this was mastered, square lashings were introduced. These knots were practiced on large logs first, using thicker ropes which are easier to manage. Once the children were confident they then tried to apply this knowledge on a smaller scale. This is fiddly work so it would be easy to get put off by the challenge but the children persevered, maintained focus with some really impressive results.
Back in class they discussed the potential issues in the next stage of building. The importance of balance and buoyancy will be explored and sails will be added.
