Makerspace in the ELA Classroom [S3 E64]
Listen to the full episode below:
As the great Ms. Frizzle says, take chances, make mistakes, GET MESSY!
The same rings true when using a makerspace in your classroom. You name it, it’s possible in a makerspace.
If you aren’t familiar with a makerspace, it is a place where students can create, problem solve, and collaborate. One of the greatest benefits of implementing a makerspace is that it shakes things up from your normal routine. It gives your students the chance to get silly and creative while giving you the gift of seeing your kids in a totally different light. Not only does it foster learning through inquiry, but it also helps to build overall classroom community.
Amanda is coming at you with a solo episode today to cover this topic of getting started with a makerspace in your ELA classroom! Keep in mind that this can be adapted for any content area.
One of Amanda’s favorite projects that she did with her students was creating tone bottles to help them analyze the tone shift in The Great Gatsby. She’ll walk you through this process and how this specific experience resulted in her students becoming more careful and close readers than they ever were before.
Check out some behind the scenes moments from this project:
As you can see, your makerspace doesn’t have to be organized in a meticulous or beautiful way. It should be full of odds and ends, most of which you probably have lying around your house. No matter what you include, your kids will find a way to use it!
If you try this in your classroom, PLEASE tag us on Instagram and show us your magical spaces in action @bravenewteaching!
Topics Covered:
Getting started with a makerspace for an ELA classroom
How to create projects that are going to be both meaningful and hands on
Building a makerspace in your classroom, no matter what kind of space you have!
Specific materials you can collect for your space
Examples of activities that are perfect for ELA and other humanities classes
Resources and Related Episodes:
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More about Brave New Teaching:
Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!
Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.