This past month has been an exciting time in the Elementary Maker (STEAM) Studio. We have all been learning how to properly operate new materials that were purchased over the summer. The children have been thrilled to try new iPad apps such as OSMO (which uses a special camera to allow children to interact with the app through hands-on materials) and work with some exciting new robots in our spaces including Dash and Dot, Ozobot and Sphero. The children have started programming our Dash and Dot and Ozobot robots and learning how to operate different apps with OSMO materials.
 

As we have been learning to operate these new materials, something exciting happened. Students started teaching me about the materials. One of the best parts of my job is when a student teaches me something new about a Maker Studio material. In the Maker Studio you will sometimes hear, "Hey, Paula, did you know it can do this?" My response is often, "No, can you shown me that again?" 

Sometimes, our students think teachers may know it all. I am here to confidently tell you that I don't know everything about every material in our Maker Studios, and I am comfortable with not knowing everything. But, what I am always willing to do is to say is "Yes" to learning and admit when I don't know how something works - "Yes, show me how to do that," or "No, I didn't know that at all!"  I love seeing children's eyes light up when they show me something new.

As teachers we are always modeling. We model how to walk down the hall, how to sit in a circle for the morning meeting or how to complete a particular lesson using Montessori materials. It is also critical that we model to our students that it's OK to say, "No, I didn't know that," or "Can you help me with this material?" 

Our Maker Studios are places where we will all be learning from each other. Some of the time, I will be the teacher, and other times I am happily the student.