Explorations Early Learning

Promoting play, defending childhood, and empowering caregivers.

Explorations Early Learning


Establishing A Tinkering Space

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:

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