If you have ever read Goldilocks and the Three Bears you know that Baby Bear’s chair ends up in pieces. The sad thing is his chair never gets fixed. Below you will find how students in preschool use the research… Read More ›
makered
Small Steps to a Makerspace: Maker Mondays
If you’ve been following what I’ve written here on AASL Knowledge Quest and on Renovated Learning, you know that this year I’ve moved to a new-to-me school, an independent 6-12. I wrote earlier about slow change and figuring things out gradually…. Read More ›
To Teach Makers, We Must Become Makers
Makerspaces are amazing places. Our students can learn all kinds of new skills. But it behooves us to learn some of those skills ourselves. You certainly don’t have to be an expert in all things to create a makerspace in… Read More ›
How to Build a Maker Culture in Your Library
School libraries are starting makerspaces all over the world. It’s an exciting time in education as we rediscover the power of creativity. But many schools rush to start makerspaces so quickly that they neglect building the maker culture. Developing a… Read More ›
How to Connect Students to the World with the Cardboard Challenge
Makerspaces and maker projects can be amazing catalysts for connecting your students with others. The Imagination Foundation’s Global Cardboard Challenge is one of my favorite maker activities to help my students feel connected to the world and see the power of… Read More ›
How to Deal When Things Go Wrong in Your Makerspace
If you solely went by my blog posts and Instagram feed, you might think that my makerspace is all rainbows and sunshine, that all of my students are 100% engaged all the time, always building insanely amazing projects and happily… Read More ›
3 Ways a MakerFair Can Be An Awesome Advocacy Tool
3 Ways a MakerFair Can Be an Awesome Advocacy Tool We just recently held our 3rd Annual Stewart MakerFair. It’s become a favorite event of mine during the school year, and my students always look forward to it. Our very… Read More ›
How We Define Makerspaces
On March 14, 2016, I moderated #TLchat along with Melissa Ray. Our topic focused on bringing makerspaces and creativity into the library. Check out the full transcript of the chat – there were some amazing ideas and resources being passed… Read More ›
How to Start a Makerspace When You’re Broke
Everyone’s Favorite Excuse I’ve had the honor and privilege of sharing with hundreds of librarians and educators about our makerspace. Unfortunately, I see many educators hold back on starting a makerspace because of funds. I’m always hearing excuses like: “I’d… Read More ›
Where is my Screwdriver?
I keep a running list of things I never thought I’d say as a Library Media Specialist: quit eating the grass in your pocket; why are you smelling the book; no you can’t read better hanging your head upside down… Read More ›