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🧱 MASONRY 101 Instructor Handbook Course Overview Course Title: Masonry 101 – Foundations of Brick, Block, and Mortar Course Length: 8–12 weeks (adjustable) Target Audience: Beginners with little or no masonry experience Instruction Format: Classroom + Hands-on Shop / Jobsite Practice Course Objectives By the end of this course, students will be able to: • Identify masonry tools, materials, and terminology • Mix mortar correctly and safely • Lay brick and concrete masonry units (CMU) to line, level, and plumb • Understand basic bonds and patterns • Demonstrate proper jobsite safety practices • Perform basic masonry measurements and layout • Recognize common defects and how to correct them ⸻ Instructor Responsibilities • Deliver both theoretical and practical instruction • Demonstrate techniques before student practice • Enforce safety rules at all times • Evaluate student work objectively • Provide corrective feedback and encouragement • Maintain tools, materials, and shop cleanliness ⸻ Course Breakdown (Suggested) Lesson 1 – Introduction & Safety Key Topics • What masonry is and where it’s used • Types of masonry work (brick, block, stone) • PPE requirements • Tool safety • Silica dust awareness Instructor Tips • Demonstrate PPE properly • Reinforce “no rushing” mindset early • Set expectations for craftsmanship ⸻ Lesson 2 – Tools & Equipment Tools Covered • Trowels (brick, margin, pointing) • Levels (2’, 4’, line level) • Mason’s line and pins • Jointers • Hammers, chisels • Measuring tools • Mixing equipment Instructor Tips • Let students handle tools early • Show incorrect tool use and consequences • Emphasize tool care ⸻ Lesson 3 – Materials Materials Covered • Bricks (types, sizes) • CMU blocks • Mortar types (N, S, M) • Sand and water quality • Reinforcement basics Instructor Tips • Let students compare mortar consistencies • Explain why “stronger” mortar is not always better ⸻ Lesson 4 – Mortar Mixing Skills Taught • Dry vs wet mixing