Lessons learnt: We can't use up creativity, the more we use, the more we have

Maker learning is an educational approach that emphasizes hands-on, creative exploration. It is often used in maker spaces, where students have access to tools and materials to design and build their own projects. Maker learning can be used in any subject area and at any level, from elementary school to college.

Why bother with maker learning?

Maker learning is a great way to engage students in hands-on, creative projects. Through making, students can develop 21st century skills such as problem solving and collaboration. By exploring their interests and trying new things, students can discover hidden talents. The possibilities are endless with maker learning, so get started today! You'll be amazed at the creations your students come up with!

How to get started with maker learning in your school- tips for teachers and parents

What is maker learning? Maker spaces are collaborative spaces where people gather to create, tinker, and learn. They can be found in libraries, community centers, schools, and even homes. At its heart, maker learning is about hands-on exploration and discovery. When students are given opportunities to tinker and experiment, they gain a better understanding of how things work and develop problem-solving skills. Maker learning is also social; it relies on collaboration and sharing. As students work together on projects, they learn to communicate with others and develop teamwork skills.  In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it's more important than ever for students to have experience with coding, robotics, and other STEM disciplines. But maker learning goes beyond that; it also helps students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, confidence, and resilience.

Teachers can start by incorporating simple maker activities into their existing lesson plans. For example, instead of having students read a chapter from a textbook on the water cycle, have them build a model of the water cycle using recycled materials. Parents can support their child's maker education by visiting local maker spaces or setting up a small maker space at home.

Remember to start small! There are many easy ways to incorporate maker space activities into your existing lesson plans. If you're not sure where to start, try one of these: - Have students build models or prototypes of something they're studying in class (e.g., the solar system). Make sure to give students time to tinker with new technologies or tools before using them for a specific project. Always encourage student collaboration by having them work in pairs or small groups on maker space projects - Hold a "maker fair" where student showcase their creations to classmates.

Parental support is key to success in any educational endeavor but there are some specific ways you can help your child if they're interested in pursuing Maker Education:

1 . Visit local Maker spaces together

2 . Set up a small Maker space at home

3 . Attend maker STEAM events together

4 . Purchase household supplies that could be used for making (e g , art supplies , Legos ® , etc )

Leading the way- how school leaders can help set up maker spaces

Providing the space and resources for a maker space is only half the battle- school leaders need to be advocates for maker culture and help foster an environment where creativity and collaboration are encouraged. Teachers often struggle with incorporating maker activities into their curriculum- school leaders can provide support and professional development opportunities to help them get started. Maker spaces can be used to teach a wide variety of subjects, from STEM to language arts and everything in between. Leaders should encourage teachers to get creative and experiment with using the space to teach a variety of subjects.

The creator mindset- why encouraging creativity is at the heart of maker learning

Kids learn best when they are allowed to be creative. When kids are encouraged to tinker and make things on their own, they learn how to solve problems and think outside the box. One way to encourage creativity in maker learning is by giving kids open-ended challenges that allow them to use their imagination. For example, you could give a child a stack of recycled materials and challenge them to build something new out of it. Another way to encourage creativity is by allowing kids to experiment with different tools and materials. For example, you could set up a station with different types of fabrics and let them explore all the different ways they can cut, sew, and glue them together. The benefits of creativity in maker learning: Some benefits of creativity in maker learning include improved problem-solving skills, higher levels of critical thinking, and increased confidence. Additionally, expressing oneself creatively can be very therapeutic and can help reduce stress levels. The best way to learn through making is by being creative: The best way to learn through making is by being creative; this means trying new things, taking risks, and making mistakes. It’s okay if not everything turns out perfectly – that’s part of the fun! The most important thing is that you enjoy the process and end up with something that you’re proud of.

Overcoming some of the drawbacks of maker spaces in schools

When it comes to having a maker space in school, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind to ensure everything runs smoothly. For starters, you'll need to be prepared for the mess and noise that comes with having one of these spaces. In order to manage the different age groups and skill levels that will be using the space, it's important to have a clear set of rules and guidelines in place. Safety is also paramount in any maker space, so be sure to take all the necessary precautions. Additionally, it's important to make sure the space is accessible to all students. You'll also need to get teachers on board with incorporating the maker space into their curriculum. By following these tips, you can create a successful and enjoyable maker space for everyone involved.

Helping every child be a creator

In today's world, there are so many ways to be creative and encourage kids to explore their imagination. One way is through art supplies that allow them to express themselves in different ways. Music classes and instruments can also inspire creativity, as they provide a means of self-expression. Additionally, books that teach kids about different cultures and art styles can help them develop a broader perspective and understanding of the world around them. Lastly, using technology to create art, music, and stories can be a great way to engage kids in creative activities.

Makers learning is a great way to get your students engaged in hands-on learning. By following these tips, you can easily introduce makers learning in your school.