Explorations Early Learning

Promoting play, defending childhood, and empowering caregivers.

Explorations Early Learning

Establishing A Tinkering Space

08/05/2025 | Establishing A Tinkering Space

Date And Time: 08/05/2025 7:00pm Central Time
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This session looks at setting up a creative space for kids to tinker, create, muck about, and build with loose parts. Whether they’re building spaceships, zombie traps, or the world’s tallest cardboard box tower, such play offers a learning-rich creative outlet.

$20.00 $16.00
Save 20% | Offer Ends 01/01/2025

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Recordings of past live online training events are available for those interested in the topic but who do not need a training certificate. These recordings also include access to a resource page full of useful related links

  1. Training Overview Video
  2. Before The Training Video
  3. During The Training Video
  4. After The Training Video
  5. Registering Multiple People Video
  6. Refund And Transfer Video


Establishing A Tinkering Space
Contact Jeff About This Training
Training Topics

Description

This session looks at setting up a creative space for kids to tinker, create, muck about, and build with loose parts. Whether they’re building spaceships, zombie traps, or the world’s tallest cardboard box tower, such play offers a learning-rich creative outlet.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Collect ideas for setting up a tinkering space
  • Learn ideas for managing the tinkering space
  • Acquire a deeper appreciation for the value of fiddling around with odds, ends, bits, and pieces

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Use A Broad Repertoire Of Teaching Skills And Strategies For Learning
  • Nebraska | Planning Learning Experiences And Curriculum
  • Oklahoma | Learning Environments And Curriculum
  • South Dakota | Learning Environments
  • Wisconsin | Learning Experiences, Strategies, And Curriculum
  • CDA | Advancing Children’s Physical And Intellectual Development

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The Value Of Tinkering10 minutesDiscussion
Tinkering Space Ideas, Strategies, And Tips40 minutesDiscussion / Demonstration
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Resources

This session is based in part on content from my books:

  • Let Them Play
  • Let’s Play
  • Let’s All Play

Content Level

Beginner / Intermediate

Age Group Focus

  • Toddlers (12 months to 36 months)
  • Preschool (36 months to 5 years)
  • School Age (5 years to 12 years)
  • Adults

Target Audience

  • Family Child Care Providers
  • Child Care Center Teachers
  • Child Care Center Directors
  • Head Start Teachers
  • Head Start Administrators
  • Early Head Start Teachers
  • Service Coordination Staff
  • Technical Assistance Specialists
  • Home Visitors
  • Parents

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