Forgotten Skillz for Kids
Forgotten Skillz for Kids: Where Hands-On History Meets STEM, Storytelling, & Survival
Forgotten Skillz for Kids brings the past to life for your students or group with immersive, hands-on workshops that explore ancestral technologies, cultural heritage, and real-world problem-solving. Whether tying cordage like Indigenous fishers, building primitive shelters, or crafting natural dyes, Forgotten Skillz workshops give kids a chance to connect deeply with nature, history, and their own creativity — while aligning with New York State Social Studies and Science standards.
Who We Serve
Forgotten Skillz for Kids workshops are best suited for kids ages 8 to 14, with built-in flexibility for both younger and older learners. Our programs are a great fit for:
- Public & Private Schools (grades 2–8)
- Homeschool Pods & Co-ops
- Scout Troops & Youth Organizations
- Libraries, Museums, and Nature Centers
- Camps, After-School, and Enrichment Programs
Whether you follow a formal curriculum or a more open-ended approach, our workshops adapt to meet your learners where they are — blending challenge with wonder.
Designed for Cross-Curricular Connection
Forgotten Skillz workshops are intentionally crafted to support a wide range of learning goals. Each session connects historical skills with modern applications, encouraging kids to think critically, solve problems, and reflect on human ingenuity.
Our activities align with:
✅ New York State K–12 Social Studies Framework
✅ NYSSLS and NGSS-aligned STEM and engineering practices
✅ Social-emotional learning themes like resilience, teamwork, and resourcefulness
Whether you’re looking to reinforce standards, explore new topics, or just spark curiosity in a meaningful way, we’ve got you covered.
Sample Workshops
Real Skills, Real Stories, Real Learning
Our Forgotten Skillz for Kids workshops spark curiosity by blending cultural storytelling with practical, hands-on skill-building. Each one can be tailored to your group’s needs and learning level, whether you’re a classroom teacher, homeschool facilitator, or youth group leader.
Below are just a few examples of what we offer. New topics are always in development, and we’re happy to customize based on your curriculum, season, or setting.
🌿 The Leaf That Could Catch a Fish
Using only a fibrous leaf and their wits, students explore how Indigenous peoples and early settlers used plant fibers to create rope, nets, and tools. Participants twist their own cords and help construct a simple net — all while reflecting on human innovation and survival.
Skills: Fiber processing, engineering design, teamwork
Connections: Indigenous tech, ecosystems, sustainability, creative problem-solving
Best For: Grades 3–6, adaptable for older or younger
🔥 Making Fire: Ancient Sparks to Modern Science
Students discover multiple ways to make fire using friction and sparks — just like people across the world have done for millennia. A great way to connect cultural studies to scientific thinking.
Skills: Friction/fire mechanics, heat transfer, safety, history of technology
Connections: Physics, cultural practices, perseverance, NGSS Engineering
🧺 Basketry & Natural Weaving
Explore how baskets were used in daily life by cultures around the world. Students learn a basic weaving technique and create a mini basket to take home.
Skills: Fine motor coordination, pattern recognition, cultural craftsmanship
Connections: Geometry, art, trade, shelter and storage systems
🏕 Build It to Survive: Primitive Shelter Design
Students work together to design and (if space allows) build mini-shelters using natural materials. Emphasizes trial-and-error, collaboration, and environmental awareness.
Skills: Engineering, design thinking, ecology, teamwork
Connections: STEM, survival, Indigenous adaptations to climate and geography
🖌️ Nature’s Palette: Traditional Pigments & Dyes
Learn how early people created paint and dye from plants, minerals, and ash. Students experiment with pigment-making and paint with natural brushes.
Skills: Chemistry, art, color theory, resourcefulness
Connections: Colonial history, global art traditions, NGSS material science
Want something different? We’re always expanding. Let us know what you’re teaching, and we’ll help craft a workshop that brings it to life.
Let’s Make It Happen
Whether you’re planning an in-school enrichment day, homeschool meetup, scout badge session, or library program, Forgotten Skillz for Kids makes it easy to bring meaningful, memorable learning to your group.
We offer:
- In-school visits for public and private classrooms
- Flexible outdoor and indoor setups based on your space
- Custom sessions tailored to your curriculum or seasonal focus
- Short lessons or full workshop experiences — your choice!
👉 Use our quick workshop request form to get started:
Have questions first?
Email us at admin@ForgottenSkillz.com
Want programs for adults, team-building, or older teens? [Check out our adult workshop options.]
