A number a years ago, I created a makerspace for our elementary students based in an old unused art room. I blogged about creating and re-imagining with children in the Wonder Lab here. However, last spring, I was told that the Wonder Lab needed to be dismantled to make room for the Innovation Lab, which would be used to teach students computer science (coding) and engineering. I complied with undoing the Wonder Lab with a heavy heart. It had taken many years of planning and collaboration to finally get approval. Then in three short years it was suddenly discarded. I didn’t want to let it go, but I had no choice. I thought long and hard about a way to re-establish it. We had no open space except a small lobby between the newly named Innovation Lab and my office. I worked two full days by myself and cleared out the Wonder Lab and the lobby. I put everything in storage, which happened to be on the third floor, and there are no elevators in the Victorian house in which the Wonder Lab is housed. I trotted up and down the stairs working out my anger and disappointment. On my final trip down the stairs, I surveyed the lobby. The words, “Wonder Studio” popped into my mind. Yes, the Wonder Lab could be reincarnated into the Wonder Studio. I just had to think small.
This fall, Wonder Studio is operating full steam. Small is certainly beautiful. I have invited small groups of children each week to work on small projects. I keep small and tidy supplies on hand. Tidy has been a challenge, but I keep working at it. And my favorite phrase to the students now is, “If you do not clean up after yourself, you will not be invited back to the Wonder Studio.” That seems to have done the trick. The girls are learning increasingly to be accountable for their materials.
This week, I was working with a group of 3rd graders. They were wrapping yarn around small wreath forms on which they were ultimately going to attach jingle bells with ribbons. Two girls were painting with water colors. One was making a ferret out of a toilet paper roll, pipe cleaners, felt, yarn, and a plastic Easter egg. Another made an octagonal loom out of popsicles sticks and created a web with yarn. Yet another, was sitting on the steps gleefully finger knitting. I paused and looked around everyone was busy and happy. They were all creating in their own way. Then the loom maker said, “Wonder Studio is better than Art because we get to do our own thing.” The other girls agreed loudly. I sensed a rebellion in the making. So, I quickly explained that you needed both Art class and Wonder Studio. Art class teaches you skills and Wonder Studio allows you to practice those skills and stretch your creative muscles.” I look around at a lot of little nodding heads. Crisis averted. Phew!
I know that this brief time with the girls – 30 minutes at recess time – is so important. Wonder Studio supports creativity, imagination, agency, and self-confidence.
“Look what I made!”
“I made that!
Do you have rubber bands?”
“I want to make a slingshot.”
“Do you have balloons?”
“I want to make a stress ball.”
I love these statements and requests from our young learners. They keep me on my toes. I am endlessly searching for junk that they miraculously turn into their treasure.
Last week, I was walking through the cafeteria with my tray of food, when Mallory, a 5th grader, patted the spot next to her and called out, “Sit with us!” I was planning to go back to my office, but from the look on Mallory’s face, I knew she had something important on her mind. She put her tray down and hurried to grab a chair from another table for me. Wow – she was determined.
Quickly she said, “I have been thinking about you!” I looked up at her surprised. “Were you sad when they took Wonder Lab away?”
“Ut…Oh,” I thought, “I better answer this very carefully, but honestly.”
So, I smiled and said to Mallory, “ Yes, I was sad because I knew how important Wonder Lab was for you girls. I knew I had to keep a place for you to play.”
She smiled back at me.
“I think Wonder Studio is working out well, even through it’s small.”
Mallory looked at me intently, “Well, that’s what I want to talk to you about. I think we should build you your own Wonder House.”
I started to laugh, “That would be wonderful,” I said (pun intended).
Mallory continued enthusiastically, “We could build it right outside the Wonder Studio. We could go out onto the porch, make a pathway, and then build the Wonder House right on the empty space on the lawn. We wouldn’t have to cut down any trees.”
I marveled at how much planning and daydreaming Mallory had been doing. She is usually a shy and quiet girl. But her Wonder House idea had given her a strong voice. I was so humbled and honored by her thoughtfulness.
“Well, that is such a great idea to have our own house to work in, but it cost money to build a house,” I replied.
“I was thinking about that too!,” Mallory said eagerly. We could make things in the Wonder Studio and sell them. We could save up and then build the house. I’m going to talk to the Head of School about it. We need a BIG Wonder Space.”
And this is why I love working with children. They are ever optimistic and determined. I am so glad I didn’t give up and made a space in which the girls can dream and create. Every day, they give me more and more evidence for why creativity matters. Every day, they fill me with hope.
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 