Maker Spaces in Elementary School Libraries

 

 

In Coding is for Everyone, author Tamiko Brown discusses the evolution of coding in her library.  She first started with the Hour of Code where her 5^th graders engaged in the self-paced online lessons using  code.org.  Students who successfully complete the program receive a certificate and continue to explore their interests by using Scratch to create video games.  While coding can be a challenging concept for some educators who are not confident in their skills, it is of high interest to our students and is a perfect addition to any school library Makerspace.  Brown includes many resources that can assist any educator who would like to implement coding into their maker space.  As a classroom teacher, I appreciate when a post has many resources that are easily accessible.  I also understand that while a new concept may be scary at first, most of the time, my students teach me how to navigate new technologies. Previously, I have dabbled in coding and my students have too.  However, I would not describe myself as proficient in coding. I would like for my students to have opportunities in the library to creatively think and learn how to code.  Brown too describes how she didn’t want her students to just play and maybe learn to code.  One realization she came to was that she wanted her students to really learn how to code and therefore needed a more structured time and volunteers to help assist students.  Brown also discusses how her program will now offer opportunities for her students to build and code Vex Robots, code Spheros, and code Ollie Robots.  These tasks require students to have access to an i-touch 6 and the coding app Tickle.  In my school library, our librarian has written grants to purchase more technology to assist in creating more access to coding experiences for our students.

Makerspaces are great environments for students and educators alike. Coding is just one way to encourage students to creatively problem solve and express themselves.  Coding addresses many of the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards as well as the AASL (American Association of School Librarians) and can assist in students being fully engaged in their learning.  Makerspaces are giving students choice and voice and coding should be a part of all Makerspaces.   

References

Coding is for Everyone