At the beginning of this month I launched a new project with the hopes that we could work together as educators to collectively begin to piece together learning opportunities that best serve our students. As I work with educators from all over my region as STEM Lead as well as having the chance to work with educators from all over the US I hear a similar message:

• I don’t know where to begin with STEM or Makerspace
• I know that play and hands-on learning is important, but how do I convince my admin that we need more time for this?
• How do I create quality play and making projects in my learning space?
• Can I do this if I don’t know how?
• I need help with ideas to get started
• Where is the time in my day to give opportunities for play?

Where do I go for support and connections to other educators?

I decided to try to help connect educators by creating a Slack Community to help educators empower one another. This only works through YOU being active to help each other realize you are not alone in these thoughts.

Where is this project you speak of bald dude?

I also launched a bigger global project, MAKEing a Difference,  to develop a compassion making project where we make for a bigger cause. As we work to make this a reality we are starting with monthly maker challenges to develop our confidence, skills, and empowerment of building up capacity as we move towards a much bigger goal.

At this point we would love to have you join. It is never too late to join in on the fun. Each month we will be launching more projects, more resources, more experts, and more opportunities to collaborate with schools from around the world.

Even better is that our bigger goal is to develop a Maker Manual that is created by students for the students. As classrooms around the world participate and document their projects we will begin to put them all together into one digital document for us all to learn. The goal is not to only learn new making skills, but to also learn more about culture and communication as we learn from students from everywhere.

Coming soon are standards aligned to each project to help you wrap your head around how to infuse making into the learning landscape.

Do you have examples?

Yes, one of our schools has an amazing 4th grade educator, Sarah Shepherd, from Whittier Elementary in Clinton, Iowa. Not only did she join right away, but they have a sign already created to pave the way for the next class to join us!

We have one more school registered and I know there are many more who have expressed interest. Come join in on the fun and get started with showcasing student voice and choice in your learning space.

Anything else?

Once you register we will work to get you on our map and then work to get you connected with other schools if you are interested. This can be a general call, and demonstration of a making skill, a mystery skype, or anything else you want to create.

All we ask is that you share with me so I can showcase the examples of learning and collaboration on the site to inspire others.

So the challenge is who is going to make the next sign? We can’t wait to see what you develop!

As we work behind the scenes we have lots of exciting surprises coming your way soon! Stay tuned!