Get inspired to make your own tinkering space after taking a peek into the world of Meri Cherry, Atelierista at Kol Tikvah Early Childhood Education Center.
Tinkering is about playing, exploring, experimenting and setting imaginations on fire! Build a tinker space and ignite a passion for learning.
What is Tinkering? Tinkering is the first step in the Experiential Learning continuum. Experiential Learning is the process of learning through experience but can be more specifically defined as "learning through reflection on doing". ... Beginning in t
Today I’m joined by Megan Schiller of The Art Pantry, as part of our ongoing series of inspiring conversations that center on how to set up creativity hubs, or tinkerspaces. If you’re scratching your head because you can’t figure out where to put your child’s art materials, want to turn your laundry room into an […]
Tinkering is about playing, exploring, experimenting and setting imaginations on fire! Build a tinker space and ignite a passion for learning.
We needed to shed some new light onto organizing our tinker space. My boys are getting older and their...
What is Tinkering? Tinkering is the first step in the Experiential Learning continuum. Experiential Learning is the process of learning through experience but can be more specifically defined as "learning through reflection on doing". ... Beginning in t
We talk a lot about setting up tinkering spaces here at TinkerLab, and I’m often asked for advice on how to set up a maker space at home. There are so many ways to approach this, and we all have different spaces with multiple constraints and possibilities. However, there are some cornerstone tips on how to […]
Check out this awesome list of books for kids and adults about tinkering to help you get started in exactly the right way.
Get your makerspace ready! These maker activities for kids will challenge children to tinker, build, tackle tough problems, and learn by doing!
I’m excited to introduce you to The Children’s Art Factory, an inspiriting creativity play space in Guelph, Ontario (Canada), founded by Melissa Mazar, aka Missy Pepperpot. When families walk inside Missy’s space, they’re greeted with process-focussed hands-on activities that engage their minds and bodies. Inside you might find things like open-ended art making, an enormous […]
Do you want to make a tinker or inventor's box for your kids but aren't quite sure what to include? Then check out some suggestions by someone with an engineering degree!
The wonderful nature and surroundings of the Defence Line of Amsterdam come to life in Fort K’IJK near Krommeniedijk. The spaces inside the fort and out, man and nature: they are all connected. This connection is made visible with a luminous strip. Follow this line of light through the fort and discover how the Defence Line of Amsterdam was built to protect people and ended up protecting the landscape.
Gever Tulley recently created this fabulous resource: The Tinkerer's Toolbox , a list on Amazon that has all the "basic tools are selected for their compatibility with children's hands, their general durability, and successful history of use at Tinkering School." Of course I think it's a brilliant list, but it also made me want to offer up this gift suggestion for parents/friends/relations that might want to encourage a child's inner tinkerer, but aren't quite ready to let them have at it with the hammers and saws. I think they could get quite a lot of tinkering done with this: This is all, of course, just a very loose suggestion. I think you could just wander the aisles of your local hardware store and see what things might tickle your child's fancy. The general idea is just that they'll be able to get their hands on some stuff that usually resides securely in the province of adults and that there will be enough interesting stuff that will just excite their imaginations AND that they can use without adult supervision. Because adult supervision can really be a buzzkill. Trying to create with an anxious adult hovering around wondering when it's all gonna get cleaned up.... not that fun. And that said, if you do decide to give this gift that keeps on giving, try to give them some space to go along with it. Even if it is just a temporary space.... "you can do whatever you want on the table in the garage for three days, but then I'm going to need you to clean it up"... I think most people need to be able to stretch out, think, consider, and yes, make a mess... without worrying that Mom is going to barge in and make them clean it all up before they're done. And yes, walking away from it all for a whole day or more might actually be an important part of the process.... a long pause before inspiration strikes. A pause we don't often give enough respect. This is just some stuff that I grabbed at the dollar store, Hobby Lobby, Harbor Freight, and Home Depot. It's not at all hard and fast, though I do think lots and lots of tape and string and cord are indispensable (and are an awesome present all on their own.... consider giving a roll of duct tape and package of cord at the next kid birthday party you're invited to and watch their face light up....). Since it might be a bit hard to see, I'll write it all out for you: Clothespins Glue gun and glue sticks (if you're worried your kid will burn themselves, I LOVE this post by Teacher Tom with some thoughts on the matter) Scissors (good ones) Safety goggles (more for feeling cool and important than any dangers posed to the eyes with these tools and materials... save them for when you bust out the hammers, saws, and drills, though) Cable ties Gorilla Glue (it's non-toxic, and dries super strong) (and kids love gorillas) Duct tape, painter's tape, scotch tape Measuring tape Screwdrivers Sandpaper Popsicle sticks (obviously optional, but are a great little building unit that I have seen used in a multitude of creative ways) Drinking straws (same thing) Rubber bands Carabeeners A variety of pulleys (endless fun) Elastic Stapler Alligator clips Letter and number stickers Twine, string, jute, and rope.... lots of it I got kind of a lightweight plastic toolbox/storage box with handle to hold all this good stuff because I'm planning on sending it to my nephews (my own children have easy access to all this and more, the lucky so-and-so's) but you could pick up a pretty cool toolbox that would lend even more dignity and glory to this already glorious gift. And of course on the side they're gonna need some goods to work with.... pieces of wood, bits and bobs from the recycling, old cds, rocks.... I don't know, just whatever you have lying around, look at it with fresh eyes and..... give it to your kid for christmas! Now I don't know your kid, but I have a feeling they would love it.....
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Please see policies for more information.I love finding inspiration on Pinterest. There are so many awesome bloggers and sites out there it’s hard to keep track of them all! I thought I’d highlight some awesome ideas I’ve been pinning lately. Kids’ Tinker
Danish Architecture Center and Tinker imagineers joined forces again and created the Educatorium. A ground-breaking educational space where children, adolescents and their parents explore architecture’s magical toolbox. Children are stimulated to act as ‘experts' by tapping into the tools and skills of architects. The design nudges children to go explore architectural concepts. It invites them to experience these with all their senses: ears, eyes, touch, body and mind. By doing this they sharpen their awareness and opinion. And suddenly realise they already possess expert skills, just like an architect.
We love Rosie Revere, Engineer, and set up a Tinkering Station to go along with reading it. Tinkering is a great time to learn about trial and error.
Tinkering Spaces: A Series of Informative and Inspiring Makerspace Tours and Interviews with Makers, Educators, and Parents | TinkerLab.co
Mystery Tinker Bags for Creative STEM Fun. Create opened imaginative play that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. These bags are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and older. Encourage creative thinking and science skills!
We needed to shed some new light onto organizing our tinker space. My boys are getting older and their...
How to turn your playroom into a maker space at home. Fun STEM activities will be done in this great playroom remodel.
Tinkering is about playing, exploring, experimenting and setting imaginations on fire! Build a tinker space and ignite a passion for learning.
What is Tinkering? Tinkering is the first step in the Experiential Learning continuum. Experiential Learning is the process of learning through experience but can be more specifically defined as "learning through reflection on doing". ... Beginning in t
