Making a Maker Space:
Teaching for the Future in Lower Grades
Here you will find concrete ideas and resources for how to create a successful maker space in a lower grade classroom. (or any classroom!)
The Fun Stuff: (things to buy)These are a few of the things I have in my own Maker Space. We use each of the items with different levels of intensity/frequency as a whole group, in small groups, or individually.
I received all of my items from Donor's Choose during Chevron Fuel Your School. Recently they are especially interested in funding projects that involve STEM. Click the link below to see my project and how to write your own! Donors Choose: Funded Project How to introduce it: (for success)Like all good elementary teachers know, especially in lower grades, we need to explain things before we just throw them at our kids and a Maker Space is no exception!
While I do think that a Maker Space is a place for creativity, less teacher involvement, and problem solving it is important to remember that in order for students to be successful you have to first introduce it in a way that makes that possible. This piece really speaks to the management of your space (aka behavior and expectations!). For us, we started things as a whole group. We used engaging read-alouds and small activities that introduced students to each of the components of the Maker Space (the fun stuff) and the expectations. We also learned all about what S.T.E.M means, why it's important, and how to have a Growth Mindset. Below is a lesson plan/idea to use to introduce your Maker Space.
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