In our over 30+ years of combined teaching experience, we have found one thing to be true- investments in machines, devices, and things mean nothing without investing in the people who use them. We know first hand that spaces and people that foster innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning are critical. Maker spaces, with their focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects and design, offer a unique opportunity for teachers to engage students in interactive learning experiences that build critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning.

Read More

In our maker space, we consciously decide against adhering to a strictly structured schedule or providing parents with a minute-by-minute breakdown of the day. This choice is rooted in our deep understanding of how autonomy and creativity thrive under flexible conditions. At the core of maker education is the freedom to explore interests and learn through trial and error. Yes, there are specific skills to learn and master, but maker education encourages exploration and discovery, processes that cannot be confined to tightly scheduled slots without stifling creativity. 

Read More

Measure Twice, Cut Once is a phrase I use on a regular basis with all of my students. As someone who has been known to jump into new projects and tasks head first and with both feet, it’s a phrase I’ve had to remind myself of. One activity in particular, though, has taught me the value of measuring twice and cutting once, both literally and figuratively: sewing.

Read More

It’s important to start working with children on building their fine motor skills early on. Fine motor skills will develop and improve as they move through childhood. It just takes the right kind of practice. Two of our favorite ways to build fine motor skills are building with Makedo and Strawbees.

As STEAM teachers, Lauren and I plan a lot of open ended, hands-on activities. These activities are vital for the development of fine motor skills. Fine motor skills involve the use of the muscles that control the hand, fingers, and thumb. They help children perform important tasks like feeding themselves, grasping toys, buttoning and zipping clothes, writing, drawing, and more. The ability to complete self-care and every day tasks helps to build a child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Read More

As teachers who specialize in hands-on, problem solving lessons and activities, Lauren and I find ourselves having discussions about fine and gross motor skills on an almost daily basis. As Kindergarten and first grade becomes more worksheet based and less task and process-oriented, students are losing out on opportunities to develop crucial fine motor skills through play and repetition. Busy Boards and sensory play are seen as preschool activities. Art Education has become less about the exploration of materials and open-ended inquiry and more about performing exact tasks in the style of certain artists or artistic movements. Again, we’re assuming our children can walk when we haven’t shown them how to crawl, which is why, over the last decade teaching K-6 children, I’ve increasingly seen second and third graders who can’t successfully tie their own shoes, pinch an alligator clip, or independently put a simple puzzle together.

Read More