Volume 6: Tools

Howdy handypeople and fix-it frients,

If you've ever watched a grown-up in your life use PG-13 language while stuck on Step 512 of assembling an IKEA dresser, it may be hard to believe that using tools distinguishes humans from other animals (most animals—there are some smart apes that use tools to "fish" for termites, and likely buy their furniture already built!) Tools have been such an important part of human history that entire eras are named after the what the tools were made from during that time: stone tools in the Stone Age, bronze tools in the Bronze Age, and iron tools in the Iron Age.

Teeny Zeeny Volume 6 introduces some common hand tools you likely have at home. Read on below for fun facts about tools, an at-home activity and printable, and a peek at what's shifting into gear in TZ7.

Don't forget your safety equipment!

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Some fun facts...

• The screw came first: early screws were tightened with knives before the invention of the screwdriver

• There is a reference to a "crow bar" in Romeo & Juliet

• King Louie XV's staples were solid gold and encrusted with jewels

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This month's enclosure...

Many types of hand tools are used for measuring something. Use the enclosed ruler and worksheet to start measuring some of the most important stuff at your house!

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Make your own...

Holy racket with this DIY hammering bench. Before recycling the next big box that comes to your house, repurpose it with a toy hammer and some golf tees (or use your own hand tools to whittle down some twigs!) Obviously please supervise your parents if they want a turn.

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Print at home...

Follow this link for a printable shadow-match game with the tools from this month's issue: teenyzeeny.com/tools

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Sneak peek...

Get ready to flip sideways for Volume 7: Trucks!

Teeny Zeeny is a picture book zine for kids ages 1-3. Each monthly issue features 11 full-color illustrations following a theme, plus an at-home activity idea and a search-and-find for older kids. Teeny Zeeny arrives lovingly packaged in the mailbox once a month, an affordable way to surprise your favorite toddler (or dad of a toddler!)