ADMINISTRATORS
Supporting the IDEAS Maker Program
The IDEAS Maker Program activities can be implemented in your school in whatever way makes sense—for example, as an after-school program, lunch club, or series of enrichment activities. Maker Program facilitators will need a space to run the club and to store materials. Ideally, they will have some time to plan each week, the opportunity to recruit in the fall, and time and space to present a maker showcase in the spring.
The Value of Maker Clubs
Kerry McCarthy explains how her after school makers club made a difference for her kids and their families.
Transcript
The last thing I want to say about the makers club is I just know what a difference it made for our kids and their families.
So many of the parents thanked me at the end of the club for having the space for their kid where they felt so comfortable, so, so creative, to have…Our club was after school. And I think to know that there was an after school club for for their kids where they could do something of their interests and be supported. And I just think it was such a beautiful experience for all of us.
And even though it may be scary to start, I think it's something that if I can do it, I’m an ELA teacher, I think anybody, anybody can do it.
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Maker Clubs are Fun for Teachers Too
McCarthy share how having students lead with their interests makes the experience really fun for her.
Transcript
It was fun for the teachers too. The makers club became really fun for me because I got to see the kids in a different way and in a more relaxed way and in a way that was more…
The center was their interests and their skills. And a lot of times especially I'm an ELA teacher, but I think it's probably true for all the teachers. This is really led by the kids and by their interests and their ideas and their talents, which is really, really fun for all of us, the kids and the teachers.
Accessibility Statement
All videos produced by the EDC include captions and downloadable transcripts.
To improve accessibility of our site we used a free video accessibility WordPress plug-in produced by Ford Foundation.
Materials and Costs
Both of the IDEAS Maker Program curricula include materials lists. The cost of materials will vary, but generally ranges from $300–$600 per year. However, the program can be run for less if facilitators focus on using cardboard, paper, clay, markers, and other simple craft materials. Facilitators can ask students to bring recyclables and other items from home, or can investigate whether local businesses will donate materials.
