Spikey nails hedgehog

This simple tool activity is a great idea for an early years woodwork area.

Introduction

A super simple activity that requires basic resources and uses simple tools.

What you'll need

wooden discs
palm drill
nails
hammer

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

leave no trace

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

tool use

Step #1 Create the eyes & nose

Find a flat working surface that you don't mind being drilled into!

Using a palm drill make 2 holes for the eyes and one for the nose.

Top Tips

look at our guide to drilling a wooden disc
choosing a larger disc will make it easier for small hands to hold
don't drill too close to the edge of the disc as it may split

Step #2 Hedgehog's Face takes shape!

You could substitute the holes with marks.

Step #3 Hammer in the 'spines'

Making sure the disc is on a hard flat surface, hammer in the nails in the body area.

Added value

This part of the activity is also great for mathematical development. Here's part of the conversation we had whilst making a hedgehog for this activity...

Adult: "How many nails do you think we can fit on the body?"

Child: "I think 10 ... (as more are hammered in and counted) ... we need one more ... no, I think probably 13."

Top tips

As you add more nails it can get tricky and some previously hammered nails may fall out as you add to the spines. Younger children may need support.
Be aware that nails may be hammered all the way through the wood so check the hedgehog's bottom for sharp ends!
We found that one of our discs split when it was hammered! Make sure your disc is free from splits before you start.
It would be worth having some spares or use thicker discs like our wooden counters.

Take it further

Choose different sized discs and make a hedgehog family!
Use screws instead of nails - a good little activity to get the hang of screwing (use a gimlet or bradawl to make an indent)

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.