Grow Your Child’s Creativity and Problem-Solving
Why a Makerspace?
At Acton Academy Madison West, children unleash their creativity and making-skills everyday in our STEAM-based makerspace. You can do the same at home. Rather than toss those holiday boxes and wrappings, re-use them to create a mini-makerspace.
Makerspaces are fun, and support the development of the 4C’s: creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking.
Key Materials and Tools
We often think of makerspaces as high-tech, but low-tech materials are a treasure trove to children: cardboard, gift wrap, ribbons, paper towel tubes, plastic containers, fabric, egg cartons, bottle caps, yarn, paint, clothespins and toothpicks, etc. Tools include scissors, markers, paintbrushes, and glue.
That should be plenty to keep your child engaged. However, for inspiration, here is a list of all we keep in Acton Academy’s makerspace for weekly art, choice-time and ongoing project-based, thematic “quests” like “Newton’s Physics of Toys” or “Exploring Ancient Athens.”
Prompts
Often it’s enough for adults to step back and let children employ their innate creativity. However, a prompt can be useful:
- Take apart and rebuild a broken appliance together
- Solve problems for characters in books – for example, create a strong wolf-proof home for three little pigs or build a bridge for the chicken to cross the road
- Let children fix their own broken toys
- Create a habitat for their favorite animal
- Explore the work of other makers – this current MMoCA exhibit is wonderful example of using everyday items to make art
Focus on Process
Finally, focus on the process of making rather than the “right” outcome. This approach allows children to use their own imagination while building confidence in their creative and problem-solving abilities.
Curious about Acton Academy Madison West? Schedule a 1-to-1 intro call, RSVP for a virtual info session, or request a copy of Courage to Grow by emailing info@actonmadison.com.
