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I fully agree with the idea that teaching hand skills is relevant today. There are so many things that you learn from doing practical subjects. Hand eye coordination, communication, visualization, application of math and problem solving, just to list a few.
During my years of teaching carpentry I have seen many students who have been failing academically go on to graduate from high school because of what they learnt during the shop classes.
My view, is that most subjects that you learn in school are based on you learning theories, for example in math you learn how to measure perimeter, area and volume. In science you learn laws like gravity, transfer of energy etc. In English you learn communication skills. Many of my students have always struggled with real world applications of the skills that they learn. In practical subjects like carpentry you are able to teach the students how all of these subjects can affect real world things.
Hands on learning is one of the best ways of teaching. Watch babies as they learn about the world around them. They look, touch, bite and play. Babies learn through trial and error it is the natural way for us to learn. The woodshop gives children the chance to continue learning through trial and error. Problem solving is the most important skill anyone can learn and there are always problems to be solved in the woodshop. Perseverance is another important lesson, when things go wrong do not give up but try, try, try again.
I can go on but I think I’ve said my bit.
I will finish by saying that I am dyslexic and have always struggled with spelling and reading, but through the love of practical subjects like Woodwork and technical drawing and the skills I learnt. I did well at school and University. I still can not spell but that is what technology is for