Tags
creativity, edtech, innovation, librarieschangelives, LibrariesTransform, public school children, school libraries, schoollibraries, WongsWonders
When you engage the shareholders in a school library, especially a fabrication lab or makerspace, it has a habit of sneaking up on you quickly and pleasantly. Sometimes you might feel frustrated, but when you notice the difference you are making, it makes it all worthwhile. Some children are classified, written off or just stereotyped a certain way, but the school library has a funny way of bringing out the best in people. Below, this young man focused on folding book art. It took several days, but he completed his project.
Some educators think boys are the hardest to reach, but in our library learning commons, it was the boys that were the first to come on board. Looking for structured activities, looking for a chance to begin fresh, looking to be challenged, our boys have thrived and I am so proud of all they do.
These gentlemen worked with the 3D Doodler pen to build the Eiffel Tower from nothing. Using a template, they took several weeks and came almost daily in all their free time to complete it. After all the sides were done, it had to be fused together and teamwork truly did make the dreamwork!
Our learning commons are in possession of girls that code and love STEM. Giving batteries and paint, this young lady painted a Christmas tree that lit along the way.
In quest of brag tags, one of our regulars took a discarded book and fashioned it into something useful and beautiful. Nothing is trash in our fab lab. Keen on sustainability, we seek to also teach the 3Rs (reduce, recycle, reuse) as our children become citizens of tomorrow.
School library learning commons and fab labs are wonderful places. They teach children so many things and are hands on so the learning stays with them through life. If you are looking to start a fab lab, don’t over think it, just do it. You do not need a lot of money, but you do need to be willing to think outside the box and be prepared to write grants to get materials for your rock stars.