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From Colorado, USA, and São Paulo, Brazil, to a Swedish woodworking classroom. Luke Johansson and Luis Otavio Araujo have traveled thousands of miles to experience how Sloyd is taught in Sweden – a subject they are convinced has the power to change children's lives.
A Television Show Changed Everything
The story of Sloyd Experience began in 2018 when Luke and his wife, Allison, happened to watch an episode of the American television program The Woodwright's Shop. The episode explored the story of Otto Salomon and the philosophy behind Swedish Sloyd education.
"We had never even heard the word 'Sloyd.' But once we understood the philosophy behind it, we immediately felt that it is just as relevant today as it was then."
What inspired them most was the idea that Sloyd develops qualities such as concentration, responsibility, independence, and perseverance—skills that benefit children regardless of the career they eventually choose.
Two years later, they held their very first classes under a tree in a local park. Today, Sloyd Experience is a growing non-profit organization that introduces hundreds of children to Sloyd every year.
Mistakes Are Part of Learning
In their workshop there is a wall that every child remembers. It is called the Wall of Learning. Projects that have gone wrong are displayed there—a hole drilled in the wrong place, a cracked piece of wood, or a workpiece cut too short.
"It's not a wall of failure. It's a wall of learning. Everyone makes mistakes, and every mistake teaches us something." Luke often tells the children that the person with the most projects on the wall is himself. In this way, mistakes become nothing to be ashamed of, but a natural and valuable part of the learning process.
A Place Where Children Grow
Over the years, Luke has seen many children change, but one boy has stayed with him in particular.
The boy had significant learning difficulties, English was his second language, and at first he communicated using an iPad.
"Sloyd became his happy place. You could literally watch his confidence grow week by week." For Luke, it is proof that Sloyd is about far more than learning how to use tools.
"Children need to experience the pride of accomplishing something on their own."
But what they celebrate most in the classroom is not when children become faster with a plane or a saw. It is when they become better at managing their emotions when something goes wrong. When a mistake no longer leads to frustration or giving up, but instead the child calmly picks up a new piece of wood and tries again.
"That's when we see real growth," says Luke.
Inspired by Sweden
Their visit to Sweden is all about learning from the Swedish Sloyd tradition.
They are impressed by how Sloyd continues to be a natural part of the school curriculum and how students are encouraged to develop both creativity and problem-solving skills.
They also highlight the teachers' ability to give students freedom while providing guidance and support.
"There is structure, but also room for individual ideas. That's something we'll definitely take home with us."
A Dream That Reaches Around the World
Luke doesn't hesitate when asked about the future.
"Our dream is for every child in the world to experience Sloyd at least once." It may sound ambitious, he says, but big dreams matter.
And after listening to Luke and Luis, it becomes clear that this is not really about wood, workbenches, or hand tools.
It's about giving children the opportunity to discover something many never knew existed—the joy, confidence, and pride that come from creating something with their own hands.
