Establishing A Tinkering Space

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:

Topic	Time	Activity
Introduction	05 minutes	Monologue
The Value Of Tinkering	10 minutes	Discussion
Tinkering Space Ideas, Strategies, And Tips	40 minutes	Discussion / Demonstration
Conclusion	05 minutes	Monologue

Related Resources

This session is based in part on content from these sources (affiliate links):

• 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