Twig Hut Construction
An exercise in teamwork
Almost any deciduous tree may be used. They must be fresh cut, 2-3 days prior. This photo shows about 50 saplings 15 feet long, with a diameter about the size of a shovel handle. About 200 twigs 5-15 feet long will also be required. Most green deciduous trees will do. Poplar is no good.
Process
Students join me through their classroom groups to build a twig garden structure. Every student will be able to participate in some element of construction. Parent volunteers and teachers are encouraged to help or direct.
As each group arrives, please sit on the ground so I may introduce myself, the project, the students' role and safety rules. I'll demonstrate how to use tools safely and how to move twigs.
Hold twigs by the cut end and keep the small end on the ground.
We'll divide the group into sections and I'll need your help to rotate students to different stations.
STATIONS
Marking Diameter The first group will define the shape of a circle by standing shoulder to shoulder and mark this circle with cornmeal. Tent stakes placed 12 inches apart along the circle will designate where the holes should be, leaving a 2-3 foot space for an entryway.
Making Holes A slate bar and pounder will be used to make 12 inch holes in the ground for the sapling framework. Two students will hold and site the slate bar in ground where indicated by the tent stakes and two will do the pounding. Chant together "1,2,3, drop" to synchronize movements and keep attention. Place holes in pairs on opposite sides of the circle.
Trimming Side branches are removed from twigs over 6 feet long. Please don't cut twigs in half or cut the top off. Do not cut side branches off twigs any shorter than you are. Green leafy twigs add a lot of mass to the structure, making it seem more enclosed very quickly and providing a visible transformation.
Organizing Place twigs parallel in a pile and keep cut ends lined up so we can easily find the size we wish to use.
Measuring and Tying Benders Two students will select the longest, sturdiest saplings, lay them with top ends near each other, parallel, with their cut ends 18 feet apart. Another pair of students will measure and keep the length of sapling pairs as they are tied together. Tie together in at least 2 spots near the center, about 3 feet apart using, metal rebar ties or string.
Tied Pairs of Saplings are placed in holes on opposite sides of the circle. Once all these bender poles are in place, we'll begin weaving.
It may take two hours to get framework in the ground
Weaving Please select a student to help me demonstrate how to weave in and out, in front of and behind, the upright saplings. Then, 4 students will get goggles and begin to weave in a set number of twigs, then they hand the goggles on to another student who will then have a chance to weave.
Photos When we finish, I hope all the students can come together for a group photo. You may need to stand on a ladder to get everyone in.
My Tools
I keep clippers, goggles and tools for students to use and return on a cart.
I'll let students know which things are off limits unless specifically directed. A few may get to use the limb saws with supervision.
Tools for Volunteers, Teachers to Bring
Hand clippers, small limb saw, limb loppers, scissors, pocket knife
Wear sunscreen and drink water. Browntail Moth was problem last year. Wear long sleeves.
Other Ideas/Students Might:
Guess the number of twigs we will use
Identify the species by their leaves and bark
Estimate lengths using their own height, arm span or hand.
Make a circle with a string and a twig
Discuss radius and diameter
Learn to test a sapling for bend-ability
Plants. Sweet fern, herbs or flowers add an aromatic colorful element to the project. If you have abundant fragrant plants in your yard, bring a few. Placed near the doorway they give off odor as you brush by them.
Twig Bundles for Thatching
I would like to see how much we could get done and use this on top of the twig structure.
Writing Drawing Station Students could write thank you notes to trees, haiku or draw a picture.
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