My students need a Little Bits Module to explore how circuits work and how to apply these principles to other situations. As for Magna Tiles, possibilities are endless!
“A maker space is a place where students can gather to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials.” It has even been called “a gym for the mind” (Renovated Learning, part 1 and part 2).
My observation: Kids are gaining confidence and making cool discoveries!
My student K - 5 and I have embarked upon a library adventure building catapults, knot tying, trying our hand at making recycled newsprint flower pots, tower building, origami, embroidery, "Mine Craft" mosaics, friendship bracelets, performing magic tricks etc.
all with motive of having kids read informational text closely or watch a DIY in order to perform a task, apply a skill and become "self feeders" of information... enabling them to act upon their own curiosity.
I have the privilege of working in two schools of approximately 500 kids each in a rural area. Some children have not had opportunities to build or take things apart, try a new craft or just be given permission to "See what happens".
It is such a delight to see the pride in a child's face when they have been struggling with something, watch them make a discovery and then be able to share their new found skill with another learner.
My Project
I envision taking the excitement created by last year's launch and adding some levels of sophistication for kids who are ready to try something more challenging. I am eager to see how teams will tackle the projects outlined in the Little Bits kits. Once they have a good understanding of HOW the parts and pieces work it will be exciting to see how this knowledge is applied to solving a "what if".. or an "I wonder" project involving Little Bits and random items such as duct tape, toilet paper tubes!
As for the Magna Tiles, my children love them at home! I am often stopped in my tracks seeing what my kids have created using a seemingly simple concept toy. It is powerful to not give instructions sometimes... to see how not having "rules" or a final product will free kids up to create amazing things.
Teamwork is a huge benefit of this type of learning.
Children who may not normally find anything in common can engage comfortably and in an animated way to solve a mutually interesting problem.
Students are engaged! If the kids are being challenged, they are taking on a problem that is of their choosing there is little time to be off task.
Creativity is being exercised and the kids are then free to carry on or branch out on their own with the confidence that they can tackle a goal.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. S. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.