Makerspace

After several years in the Middle school, I returned to Elementary as a Media Specialist. This meant 25 minute classes with K-4 graders with an emphasis on either library skills or technology.  To work with I had a library space with 25 desktop computers, books shelves and various other pieces of furniture crowding the room.  As I had never taught this area before, I decided to find out what was happening in other libraries.  I started by following other librarians on Pinterest. They truly are a creative bunch and realize that some change has to take place to entice students into a library.

First change: Call the space Media Center, and clear it of outdated books, furniture and technology.  If no one uses it, then it doesn't need to be out on display.  There was no online card catalogue, so there was no need for the random computer terminals taking up space on the floor.  After the clean up, I had a lab area with 24 desktops, a Smartboard, tables with seating for a class of 20, a whiteboard and lots of display cases for books.  I added a carpet for read aloud time, and craft tables.
Second change: Instead of being a place to check out books and play on the computers, I wanted it to be a space to explore and create.  I  found some unused LEGO sets in a cupboard and used my Scholastic Bonus points to order FIDDLE STICKS.  These became very popular with all ages.  Students would leave their creations for other classes to view and add to.  The youngest students started using paper and pencil to 'pretend write' or make their own books. After them asking for scissors and staplers, or glue and tape, I decided to set up the materials at a craft table.
Third change: The computers needed to be used for more than apps and games.  Most students have access to these at home or on

phones. So during the class times I introduced students to creative education sites like ABCYa Paint, and easy coding programs on MathPlayground like Equation Creations and Programming Shapes. We used the iPads as cameras to provide their creations with original illustrations.
Fourth change: Read aloud books were used to inspire creative projects as well as enjoyment of reading. Nonfiction books often give examples of basic ideas needed for building, or inspiration for an art piece. Visually, a Smartboard will entertain, but a static picture or text is a reference that students can visit again and again.
Fifth change: The students needed time to explore all that the Media center had to offer.

Whether it was a favorite book, building with LEGO, or using the computers, students had to be encouraged to find something that interested them.  So after using class time to introduce books, authors, craft techniques and educational web sites, I invited classes for some extra free time where students could go between activities of their choice. If they chose the computers they needed to stick to the sites placed on their Google classroom, and I was pleased to find that not all students decided on free computer time. The class evenly distributed themselves between books, crafts, tech and building materials.
Future change: Currently most students want to take their creations with them, and do not want others to touch what they make. "Can you save this for me?" "Can I print this?" are frequent requests. There is a need of some way to save and share these creations electronically. Just as we save computer creations and place them on the desk top, so we need to find an effective way, like SEESAW, for students to capture digitally what they have accomplished.

Ongoing changes: The displays in the library are constantly changing to showcase different books and series.  I have also added a display table for student creations that will change.  Currently it looks like Dr. Seuss' Whoville.  Similarly, the materials for their creations need to keep changing. We can introduce specialty craft supplies as well as collections of recycled containers. The technology should include up-to-date inventions and STEM materials. As these are expensive items, creative fund raising is needed. I have found Scholastic Points system earned from book fairs are a cheap way to add these items. Ideally, a display monitor should be included in a central area with a slide show of student creativity and exploration.  We already use social media, and parent newsletters to share changes, but they need to be celebrated as well.