Makerspace Basics for Early Childhood Classrooms

Take-Aways

Find a space (corner/shelf/tray) to designate as your makerspace.

Think about safety/rules you’ll share/model for your students.

Fasteners to gather: tape (masking, duct, scotch, washi), glue (wood, elmer’s, tacky), staples.

Collect materials:

Recycled materials (cardboard, egg cartons, plastic bottles)

Home Depot buys (hardware stores will often give scraps and leftovers to teachers, just ask!) 

Beads

Yarn/string/ribbon

Rocks, seashells (natural materials)

Paper clips, wire 

Rubber bands

Old cd’s and records

Start small/simple with just a few materials and one fastener.

Don’t forget to observe your choldren and add/modify as they go!

Skills used while creating: fine and gross motor, math, design thinking, flexibility, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, to name a few!

Resources

Referenced in the Interview

Kodo Kids

Zero Landfill Facebook

Woodwork in the Early Years by Pete Moorehouse (free download)

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