The MakEY Project
Children in South Tyneside have the opportunity to take part in an international research project – and have fun at the same time.
The Word is one of just three settings in the country to be selected to provide ‘makerspace’ workshops as part of the Makerspaces in the Early Years (MakEY) Project. A makerspace is a communal room with basic equipment where children and young people can get creative.
Aimed at three to eight-year-olds, the learn and play sessions will include making basic circuits with play-doh models and creating light shop animations and scribble robots as well as making pictures light up with electrical circuits.
The research project is aimed at identifying the benefits and challenges of running makerspace workshops in formal settings, such as nurseries and schools compared to more informal settings such as libraries. Research projects in other European countries as well as the USA and Canada will work together to further understand the role of makerspaces in developing children’s digital literacy and creativity.
Take a look at the free MakEY Sessions that will be run by OpenZone here at The Word over the coming weeks. Families can book a free ticket to confirm their place.
