Growing a MakerSpace

MakerSpaces are popping up in schools and libraries across the country. I think that this is an exciting trend.  MakerSpace presents opportunities for hands-on learning and active student engagement through design, engineering, creating, tinkering and repurposing.

When I came to Twining School last year, I proposed starting a MakerSpace in the building.  Shari, the building principal, gave the green light to get started and in essence lead the charge for creativity and innovation. I can clearly recall her words “Make it so.”  Then began the process of dismantling an aging computer lab and creating a learning space for students.  This fall we launched our MakerSpace and I look to help it grow!  

As we grow our space here at Twining, I’d like us to keep in mind the following:
Shari has embraced the motto that messy learning is good learning.  We are hoping that as students deconstruct, build and create, their imaginations will be activated and that the learning in our MakerSpace will be enriching and meaningful for students and teachers.

Good learning can be messy!

The idea of the orderly quiet classroom being the most effective classroom does not hold true.  Children learn by doing and exploring, and this can be a messy process. MakerSpaces are active learning spaces where students have the freedom to create new things, using tools such as paint, cardboard, wooden shapes, Lego pieces, iPads, robotics and hundreds of other materials. 

We are given permission to...

Here at Twining, we have permission to try new things. Uncertainty and failure are huge risks for teachers to take in the MakerSpace, and we are supported to take these risks.  We are also given permission to bring forth new ideas, recommendations for materials and supplies for the space.

Be a Learner

As teachers, we need to model what it means to be an active and engaged learner. I know that “lifelong learner” is a bit of a buzzword, but it’s an accurate description of a quality we want to instill and nurture in our students. In a MakerSpace, the learning is never-ending. There is always a new skill to learn, a new person to connect with or a new challenge to tackle. If we want the students and teachers in our schools to fuel their curiosity, then we need to jump right in and get involved.

Don’t know how to code? Learn with your students. Accept that learning new skills is a part of the job and that it’s important to share with others.  Reach out to your colleagues and learn together, perhaps co-plan and teach a lesson in the MakerSpace with your Curriculum Technology Partner.

Collect Resources

We do have some great resources in our MakerSpace.  But we could always add more!  Are there items laying around your home or garage that could be used in our MakerSpace?

Ideas:
Hot Glue Guns
Hot Glue Sticks
Cardboard
Wood pieces
Yarn
Old craft supplies (pipe cleaners, beads, wire, bells, fabric, etc)
Old building materials (K’Nex, Lincoln logs, legos, etc)
How to books (Origami, knitting, etc)
Paper
Paint
Brushes
Glue
Markers
Items for creating, tinkering, building, crafting, etc

We can also consider the following questions to help find resources:

·       Are there community members who will donate tools and materials?

·       Is there a granting agency (Donors Choose, etc)?

·       What skills and expertise can parents share in the MakerSpace?

·       Who might you partner with to support the growth of your maker learning?

·       Are there organizations or companies that would be willing to partner with you or donate to maximize learning?

Come check out our space

Our MakerSpace has just started, consider the ways that you will foster the innovation and creativity happening in your space.  What talents or materials do you have to make the space better?  Are there colleague partnerships that can enhance student experiences?  Have you visited with your Curriculum Technology Partner about ideas for using the space to enhance student learning, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and FUN!