Yesterday I mentioned that I am working on repurposing a bookshelf to create a “Genius Bar” for my classroom. Â Another project I am planning is to transform the old, gigantic, executive type desk that I inherited into a mini Maker Studio. Â My vision is to put all kinds of materials in its nooks and crannies that students can use to create whatever they imagine. Â I usually collect old boxes and various other containers for some of the projects my students do throughout the year, so this will be a place to store them have them readily available. Â Access to the “Maker Studio” is going to be something the students will earn when they reach a certain level in my classroom. (The levels are based on the idea of gamification. Â I’ll explain this more in a later post – not because I’m holding back on you, Â but because I haven’t actually thought the whole process through yet!)
To kick off the whole Maker Studio idea, I am hoping to participate in “The Global Cardboard Challenge.” Â This is a project that began last year, inspired by Caine’s Arcade. Â The idea is to encourage kids to create cardboard creations throughout the month of September, and then to come together to celebrate and play with them on October 5th. Â I completely missed the boat last year – but this year I am ready. Â Well, I’m kind of ready. Â I need to start collecting cardboard. Â That part is kind of important, I suppose! Â We may not be “official hosts” this year, but we are definitely going to get involved, and I hope you will, too!
