Over the last couple of months in all of my master classes, I have learned many things about myself. The first assignment in our classes was reading Carol Dweck’s Mindset, where we learned the difference between fixed mindset and growth mindset. At the beginning of this year, my first graders learned the difference between fixed and growth mindset. I also told them that it was okay to make mistakes because that is how we grow. As I have been working on this project, I have made mistakes. When I made mistakes, I heard great feedback from my classmates and the professor. I thought about how hard I was taking the mistakes I had done in my work and I know that it is the same way for the students in our schools. We, as teachers, need to make them feel safe and successful in what they are doing in school.
So, why Makerspace? I believe that Makerspace will be a safe place where the students can learn to make mistakes and see their own work become a final product. My first graders (and students in my Makerspace club) have had the opportunity to design and create products this year. I can see that they are excited. I see focus in their projects and that carries over to their “regular” school work.
As I was writing my proposal to my principal, I thought about the students whom I have in my class. Most of these students glow when they are creating. When they have a vision, you can’t stop them. One student is making a lighthouse; maybe he will make things like this when he grows up. I had a conversation with a kindergartener (in the club) who explained that he was making a robot dog and it will need circuits. He was so excited! He also told me that he loves science and he is going to be a scientist when he grows up.
Last week, I had the opportunity to go to a science conference. Even though I had learned many things in my research, I decided that I could benefit from classes geared to Makerspace. I was reminded by several people that we need to start teaching students to be innovators, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. I do look forward to reading more.
I am excited about carrying out my plan for Makerspace. This will be a thrilling time at Riverside Applied Learning Center. I hope to get many people on board to accomplish this cool opportunity for the children.
Are you going to be one of them?