Elementary Pathways: Makerspaces spark imagination, creativity, problem solving in young learners

Each of the eight elementary schools in District 191 are being served by Advanced Learning Specialists and an innovative approach to hands-on learning. 

Makerspace: a communal public workshop in which makers can work on small personal projects. 

As District 191 continues to bring the Pathways experience into the elementary schools with opportunities for hands-on learning, STEAM exploration and sparks of creativity, there is a focus on making sure all students have access. To accomplish this goal, the idea of the makerspace has been made mobile and consistent across the district.

Last year, the Board approved the addition of a full-time Advanced Learning and Pathways Teacher at each elementary site. Previously these specialists were split between two schools, so they are now able to make even more of an impact on students.

With the right people in place, the issue of physical space needed to be addressed. The solution was to purchase identical carts and materials across all schools so there is equitable access for all students. 

“The carts have tons of boxes and bins that have different materials for stations and we swap them out throughout the year,” said Dr. Mandi Jensen from Sky Oaks Elementary. “This equitable access gives kids opportunities to think critically, explore, collaborate and cooperate while having fun. Schools are obviously driven by academic performance, but we can’t forget that they are kids and that having fun at school is the most important thing because it builds excitement for school.” 

The Advanced Learning and Pathways teachers visit every classroom once a week, alternating between makerspace activities and teaching a Pathways lesson. Lessons are focused on different ways of thinking tied to career pathways, including thinking like a detective, scientist, inventor and others. 

One lesson in a first grade class featured the children’s book “Not a Box” where a bunny tells readers that the rectangle next to him is not a box. Students were then tasked with taking the drawing of a box and looking at new ways to show what it is and writing their own pages for the book. The simple box quickly became a rocket ship, a school bus, a slide and more!

“An engineering challenge or exercise in imagination can reach all students even if they may not fully know English,” said Erin Huber from Harriet Bishop Elementary. “It is important for students to see themselves as learners. If they struggle with something like math or reading, it can be hard for them to feel that they are learning, but we are giving kids a chance to be successful and help build that self-efficacy.”

Once the makerspace cart arrives, classroom teachers get to lead students through different stations and activities which range from accomplishing a goal with snap circuits or building a pinball machine with LEGO bricks to trying origami or creating buildings out of Magna-Tiles. Students rotate through the stations each time so they are able to try a little bit of everything with high-tech, low-tech and no-tech options. 

With these projects, there are often many ways for students to solve the problem in front of them. While projects often have a guide to get students started, they are always encouraged to go beyond and see what else they can add to the project. Students are learning how to collaborate with others and building social skills needed to celebrate success or bounce back and learn from mistakes if their first attempt didn’t work. 

“We teach that you can try your own ideas and need to be brave, because sometimes it won’t work and it’s an opportunity for growth,” said Jensen. “Play is so important at school because it breaks things down in a fun way for kids and you get their brains thinking differently as they explore on their own and with a group. I believe that if your kids aren’t laughing in your lesson, you aren’t teaching.”

While some schools reserve activities like STEAM and makerspaces for students who might be considered high achievers, One91 shows a commitment to equity by making these essential Pathways experiences available to all learners. The spark of interest that a student shows with a makerspace activity can have a lasting impact on their future.

When working with makerspaces, students are collaborating, cheering each other on when something works and maybe groaning if an attempt didn’t work. Their hands are busy, eyes are focused and there are smiles across the faces of just about everyone in the room. 

With a dedication to providing access to all schools across the district, all students are widening their worldview and trying new activities in a safe and supportive environment, where mistakes are not only accepted but encouraged. 

“It feels good that we are investing in this part of student learning and highlighting it,” said Huber. “Thinking about the whole child and bringing access to everyone is essential and our team is really passionate about bringing it to everyone because kids need this.”