Blog #8 - Makerspaces

 I must confess that I have been very confused and frustrated and befuddled about makerspaces in the elementary school library.  I have heard about them for years, but being a classroom teacher until a year ago, it wasn't something that stood out on my radar.  As a librarian and a student in an MLIS program, maker spaces have come more to the forefront of my thinking and consideration.  Are they different from "centers" in the classroom where children create and make and take home?  Does technology have to be involved?  Is it STEAM-related?  If so, does it HAVE to be STEAM-related?  Lots and lots of questions.  I really didn't have questions totally answered by this week's readings or viewings because much of it was talking about public library spaces.  

I'm also confused because in my school we have a very extensive Technology program and we are a STEAM school.  We have a Robotics STEAM teacher and a regular Technology teacher.  Maker Spaces with 3-D Printers and the little robots and coding and all kinds of other things are provided in those classes so I'm not sure that it's not overkilling to have those in my library as well.  

In my library now, I have 

1.  Brain Flakes - Fun and Creative


2.  Kevo Planks - Building and Design


3.  Coloring Sheets - Art and Creativity

4.  Strawz - Design and Engineering

I also have playdough and all the cutting tools and things that Playdough has made famous and just coloring sheets that I have run for the children, magnetic tiles, and KiNex. 

I did find a wonderful resource in my searches that I'd like to share with you all.  It's from Mrs. J in the Library.  She has a blog post about Maker Spaces in the library and it gives the reader lots and lots of resources.  It really helped me so if you're new at this or not, it's a great source.

https://mrsjinthelibrary.com/elementary-makerspace-resources/

You can find her blog at:

https://mrsjinthelibrary.com/blog/

I found a lot of her posts to be very helpful to me - some about Makerspaces and others many different topics.  It's worth it to check it out!

Have a great weekend everyone!







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