We're Better Together!

Our first PlacenTinker makerspace of the year was a big success, and made it clear that “We’re Better Together.” We learned a lot about empathy, cooperation, collaboration (and penguins!) as we set out to build things to make Peppy the Penguin happy. 

We started by reading the picture book “We’re Better Together” by Eileen Spinelli,  which prompted great conversations around the benefits of cooperation and collaboration. We talked about empathy and how important it is to try to understand how others are feeling and thinking.  That helped us see that the best way to make something Peppy would like, would be to learn more about penguins!  So we did.  Armed with fun penguin facts, plenty of enthusiasm, and our collaborative mindset, we set our creative juices flowing.  Our supplies were cardboard, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, pom-poms, and tape. Lots. And lots. Of Tape.

We built all sorts of toys, play spaces and tools for Peppy, and shared our creations with our classmates. We discussed our processes  — what worked, what didn’t; what surprised us, what we learned.  Everyone agreed that we are, indeed, better together.

The educational foundation for our maker space — empathy —is a key component of social awareness, and a theme that informs our entire curriculum.  And having a hands-on way to understand the value — and challenges — of cooperative, collaborative work, was ideal.  The students were fully engaged and as always, I am amazed at the way they absorb complex ideas and apply them in thoughtful and creative ways. 

PlacenTinkers are Thinkers!