Creating a Makerspace For Kids

April 2, 2015 Leave a Comment

Makerspaces are all the rage these days. Do you know anything about them? According to Wikipedia, a makerspace is defined as “a hacklab, fablab or creative space in a location where people with common interests, often in computers, technology, science, or digital or electronic art (but also in many other realms) can meet, socialise and/or collaborate.” Makerspaces have popped up all over the country and have sparked a “Maker Movement”.

Educators have been inspired to create unique makerspaces for children and these days it’s not unusual to find makerspaces in schools, libraries, and community centers. Now, homeschool parents are creating makerspaces in their homes. Each of these makerspaces is equipped with the tools and supplies children can use to help them flex their mental muscles and concoct a variety of neat hands on projects.

After I hearing about makerspaces while my daughter was taking a robotics class at our local library, I decided to search the internet to learn more about them. I discovered gorgeous pictures of elaborate makerspaces where children were happily creating neat things using a vast array of everyday items like buttons, cans, bottle caps, etc alongside amazing tools like jigsaws and LED kits. I assumed creating a makerspace was an expensive endeavor and since I wasn’t working with a large homeschool budget, I decided our homeschool didn’t really need a makerspace.

But over in the African-American Homeschool Moms Facebook group, I began to see homeschoolers eagerly chatting about how their children loved to create things. These Makerspaces, Maker Labs, and Tinker Tables were helping children exercise their natural creativity and helping them become self starters. After reading one mom’s posts about the benefits of creating makerspaces and seeing photos of her children engaging in fun activities with basic household supplies, I decided to create a makerspace on my limited budget. I am happy I did, and my children are even happier!

Creating our makerspace, which we refer to as The Maker Station, wasn’t hard at all and didn’t cost very much money. For around $25, I was able to purchase everything I needed to set up a fun makerspace for my children. Once the supplies were assembled, my kids got to work creating all kinds of neat things.

Setting up your makerspace

You can store your supplies in any container, but I wanted something large, easy accessible, and well organized. Our things are stored in a Sterilite rolling cart I purchased from Walmart.

The three long drawers are large enough to hold all of our Maker Station supplies. The green and purple containers inside the drawer were purchased at Dollar Tree.

The Maker Station sits right beside the Lego table, so once my kids pull out their supplies they have ample space in which to work.

When you choose the workspace, don’t choose an area and/or work surface you want to keep super clean. Making can be messy, so choose the location wisely. Consider covering tables with tablecloths or have your children work on top of large pieces of cardboard. That way if spills or stains occur, you won’t be upset.

Supplies for your makerspace

Though you can go out and purchase things for your makerspace, I recommend you poke around the house for supplies first. My children found lots of great materials just by rummaging around in our drawers and closets. Also, before you toss something into the trash, consider if it would make a good addition to your makerspace! If you do find you need to purchase things, check thrift stores and one dollar stores.

Here are the things on our supply list: pipecleaners, oatmeal containers, shoeboxes, dowels, plastic bread tabs, wheels, yarn, string, cotton balls, popsicle sticks, scissors, fabric, cardboard, nuts, bolts, screws, clothespins, twist ties, screwdrivers, egg cartons, hammers, nails, hot glue gun and glue sticks, magnets, pliers, cereal boxes, tweezers, lids, string, wire, trays, bottle caps, soda can tabs, wire cutters, masking tape, buttons, painters tape, cans, paper clips, game pawns, spools, medicine cups, keys, and flashlights.

Inspiration for makerspace projects

Children are certainly able to come up with ideas on their own, but if they need a bit of inspiration, you’ll find 20 great ideas when you download my free Makerspace Task Sheet. You can also check the following websites for additional activities.

A makerspace is a great way for children to express themselves creatively and a wonderful way for them to learn through trial and error. Since there are no rules for making, children often wander down many creative avenues as they design amazing things. Your at home makerspace doesn’t have to cost a lot of money in order to be fun and effective. Gather some things today. Your children will thank you for it!

(VIDEO) Indoor Activities For Kids

March 6, 2015 Leave a Comment

When the weather takes a turn for the worse due to snow, rain, or extreme heat and cold, it’s always good to have a few indoor activities for our kids to enjoy. In this short video, I describe how you can get a copy of Keep It Moving, the free downloadable board game I created. It’s the perfect activity for keeping kids happily occupied during times of inclement weather!

(VIDEO) How I Use Evernote In My Homeschool

February 17, 2015 10 Comments

Have you heard of Evernote? It’s a popular notetaking and organizational application many people are using to help better manage their time. At first glance, Evernote might seem like just another basic, ho-hum, run of the mill app, but it’s not. Evernote is an amazing tool homeschool moms can use to help their home schools run more smoothly. In this video, I explain what Evernote is and describe how I’m using it to run my homeschool more efficiently.

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Hershey’s Kiss Valentine’s Day Craft

February 12, 2015 Leave a Comment

My girls have pen pals and whenever a holiday rolls around, they are eager to send gifts and cards to their pen pals. Gifts and postage can become expensive, so I encourage the girls to make their own cards and gifts to send to far away friends.

For Valentine’s Day, the girls created these adorable Hershey Kiss cards I think their pen pals will love! Your children can easily create this super simple Valentine’s Day craft by using a few familiar household items.

Supplies:

large Hershey’s Kiss template (mine was freestyle and hand drawn)
small Hershey’s Kiss template (a few inches smaller than the large template)
cardboard box (such as a cereal box)
aluminum foil
Scotch tape
white construction paper
red or pink construction paper
scissors and glue
ruler (optional)
pencils/pen/marker

Trace the large Hershey’s Kiss Template onto the the cardboard box and cut it out.

Wrap the cardboard kiss in aluminum foil, making sure the shiny side of the foil faces outward. The front of the Hershey’s Kiss will be smooth and the back of it will be a bit lumpy and bumpy. Use tape Scotch tape to secure the back of the Hershey’s Kiss so that the foil does not come off.

Use a piece of white construction paper to make the familiar white Hershey’s Kisses tag. Cut it out carefully and write a greeting on it (Happy Valentine’s Day, I Love You, Thanks For Being Such a Sweet Friend, etc). Turn the Hershey’s Kisses onto the back side and use a piece of Scotch tape to attach the tag to the back of the Hershey’s Kiss. Make sure the written side of the tag faces out

Trace the small Hershey’s Kiss template onto a piece of red or pink construction paper and cut it out. Have your child write a short letter to the recipient. Children can also use the space to write a poem or list a few jokes. If your child has an issue writing without lines, use a ruler to draw light lines for them to write on. Once the writing is done, center the small Hershey’s Kiss onto the larger Hershey’s Kiss and glue it down. Done!

Holiday crafts don’t have to be complicated or messy. Gather a few simple items and let the children get busy creating their own fun and interesting masterpieces. Happy Valentine’s Day!

6 Reasons To Teach African-American History All Year Round

January 30, 2015 5 Comments

February is just a couple of days away and Black History Month will soon begin. This annual observance fosters an awareness of the lives and contributions of African-Americans and ushers in a month long parade of enlightening activities, exhibits, workshops, and programs based upon the African-American experience. During Black History Month, museums, schools, churches, and community centers proudly sponsor month long celebrations full of African-American themed events.

And though such cultural offerings are still important and necessary, I don’t believe Black History Month founder Dr. Carter G. Woodson wanted the study of African-American history to be locked within the confines of a 28 or 29-day period. He certainly wanted to draw national attention to the contributions of African-Americans throughout history, but I also believe Dr. Woodson’s desire was that the month of February serve as the starting place of larger, year long discussions and explorations of African-American history and culture.

I believe that as well, so in our homeschool I teach African-American history all year round. And, if you don’t already do so, I encourage you to do so. Why? First, it takes time, plenty of time, to delve into a serious study of African-American history. In addition, the study of African-American history is part of a well-rounded homeschool curriculum. Finally, the educational benefits of doing so cannot be denied. Consider these five reasons to teach Black History year round.

When African-American history is studied all year round, children understand that African-American history is important. Children see that the study of African-American history is relevant in February, in March, in April, in May, and on as well. A thorough study of African-American history cannot be boxed into a particular time frame for the sake of convenience (It’s easier to teach this way.) or tradition (It’s always been taught this way). African-American history is too important to be viewed only as another item to check off a long list of educational objectives.

When African-American history is studied all year round, children recognize that African-American history is also American history. A year round approach to African-American history shows children that the African-American people are deeply woven into the fabric of our nation’s history; snugly stitched over, under, and around the other more frequently discussed names in history. Trying to remove the fabric’s darker threads damages the whole piece and leaves loose threads hanging aimlessly. When children understand that African-American history is American history, it is easier for them to see how it is relevant to all people.

When African-American history is studied all year round, children are more likely to learn about lesser known African-Americans. Greats such as Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King, Jr always surge to the forefront of Black History Month biographies. Yes, the lives of those men and women are certainly worthy of study, but so are the lives lesser known African-Americans such as artist Horace Pippen and American jockey James Winkfield. Though they are not household names, the accomplishments of these lesser known historical figures and many, many more are worthy of study all throughout the year.

When African-American history is studied all year round, children see African-American contributions and connections across the entire curriculum. African-American contributions are not isolated within the arts, sports, and religion, but can also be found in areas such mathematics and science. A simple internet search will reveal ample connections for children to explore. For example, when studying the phases of the moon in science, include information about the life and contributions of colonial great Benjamin Banneker, a self taught astronomer. Many subjects can easily segue into a more detailed study of African-American culture.

When African-American history is studied all year round, children experience a more complete view of American history. A prolonged period of study allows us to escort our children off the well-beaten paths of history and gives us the opportunity to meander slowly down other educational avenues. Yes, slavery and civil rights struggles are important aspects of our history, but children need to know that the men and women of prior generations were far more than slaves and protestors.

When African-American history is studied all year round, there is ample time to study the contributions and culture of African-Americans. No matter how well planned our lessons may be, a good study of African-American history can’t be completed in a month. Attempting to do so is problematic because it forces us to pick and choose what we will study and what we will ignore. When studied year round, we have sufficient time to help our children examine and explore topics and figures.

A month is a short period of time, so don’t limit your studies of African-American history to its few short weeks. Make the study of African-American history and culture a natural part of your planning just as you do for the three R’s. Your family will soon recognize the benefits of having done so. Your children will see the importance of African-American history and they will be eager to learn more about their rich history and culture. You, as parent and teacher, will find your studies lead you to people, places, and things you never imagined! And this family culture dominated by a love for learning and yearning to know more, is one of the many joys of homeschooling. Embrace it!