While at the White House Teacher Appreciation Social, I learned about maker spaces. Seems like a familiar concept being recycled with a newer name. The more I research about maker spaces I am reminded of the projects I facilitated when my kids were younger.
Maker spaces can go in two directions. Structured or unstructured blocks of time to explore materials and make a creation.
While not a technical interpretation, to me an unstructured maker space is similar to placing a collection of junk in front of someone so they can explore and make something. Similar to how you give preschoolers a basket of 'stuff' and they end up with a car made of plastic cups and straws.
A more structured maker space, is beginning with a specific end product in mind. Using materials and tools to figure out how to make XYZ(whatever the end product is meant to be).
Maker spaces exist for adults as well--there is one that I read about in Portsmouth (Port city Makerspace) and one in Nashua (MakeIt Labs). They provide space and tools for people to work on projects! My vision for makerspaces I want to offer for kids includes both unstructured and structured sessions.
Some of us can right away look at a pile of stuff and have a vision or see a way to begin. Others of us need a tad more guidance before the creative juices can flow.
As a kick off to my exploration of maker spaces, I will have free sessions at the Hollis Social Library Meeting Room on June 24, 25 and 26 from 5-7. It is important to me that the sessions are free of charge so that all can attend. Later in the summer, as part of the library reading program there will be two more free sessions.
