Jersey schools makerspaces build creativity, life skills

Upon entering the East Elementary School library at Jersey Community School District, it can seem a little overwhelming to have students piloting robots around the room and cutting cardboard using kid-safe power tools. 

But to librarian Angie Noble, it’s all a part of helping her students grow creatively and collaboratively. 

“I think what we have is pretty unique and special,” Noble said. “Kids can come down as they have time in the classroom and show their strengths in so many different areas.” 

Known as “makerspaces,” these spaces serve as an educational extension from the classroom in the district’s East Elementary School and Jersey Community Middle School buildings. Throughout the school day, these spaces help students build essential life skills using tools and resources like 3D printers and, yes, controllable robots. 

“This is a space where they feel comfortable enough to feel creative, use their hands, get up and move, all the things we know kids in school need to do,” said Niki Egelhoff, Jersey Community Middle School principal.  

Within the last four years, each of the two makerspaces was brought to life through a grant-funded renovation of the two school libraries. As a well-equipped multi-purpose learning space, it provides students with fun learning opportunities while also increasing school attendance and library usage.

“These spaces were not inviting,” said Kate Sievers, assistant superintendent of curriculum. “They have done a good job of not losing the library side of it, while at the same time making it a space where kids want to hang out.” 

Nearly every day, grades two to seven have the chance to use the space, either during classroom activities or in free time. Elementary students’ activities are more geared toward Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), whereas middle schoolers use the makerspaces for classwork, meetings, and after-school programs. 

While each makerspace works differently and caters to its specific grade range, the intention of the two makerspaces is the same: to create a collaborative, multi-purpose gathering space where students can connect and grow through hands-on learning. 

For Noble and Rachel Evans, the librarian at the middle school, it serves as motivation to attend and participate in school, as well as to utilize the library. 

“The idea is that the students have time to do their own thing, but also classes come in and use the space,” Evans said. “We try to have opportunities for all different types of interests and different types of people.” 

“Every day is a little different, which I love because there’s the library reading side of it and the creative side as well,” Noble added.

Since the spaces were put to full use two years ago, the two librarians, now titled “media specialists,” have been impressed by the added benefits to the library, which they say have impacted students in a variety of ways. 

“The big thing is that kids are learning how to work with each other,” Noble said. “They are not behind a table or a screen, working solely for themselves. It helps with interpersonal skills that a lot of kids today need extra work with.” 

Outside of the two makerspaces, Jersey Community High School has its own, but its usage is vastly different due to a lack of downtime for high school students. In the near future, the school district will work towards implementing a makerspace at Grafton Elementary School.