Patterns are all around us. Some are found in nature. Some are made by people. A pattern is a repeated decorative design. Patterns can tell stories and be used as a way of communicating. Since patterns repeat over and over again, it could be useful to have a tool that helps you easily recreate the same shape or image. That’s where stamps come in! A stamp is a tool that has an image on one end and a handle, or something to hold, on the other. The image on a stamp is not flat, but raised up. When you dip the image of the stamp into ink or paint and press it against a piece of paper, your image is transferred over. Patterns can be drawn out, but that would take a lot of time. Stamps give us a chance to play with making patterns.
Learning in the Making: LIVE!
Learning in the Making: LIVE! is an online video series designed to support educators and families with accessible hands-on learning experiences. This work is part of our focus on supporting remote learning in various environments. (To learn more, read this blog post about our work during shelter-in-place measures in 2020.)
Each week, we host a live making activity on our YouTube channel and share related resources on our blog.
Learning in the Making: Natural Paints
The natural world is filled with vibrant color! Our very own environments hold many valuable tools for creation. Would you believe me if I told you that in today’s project you are going to make your very own paint? You can save money and the environment by learning how to make paint from food items […]
Learning in the Making: Self-Care Kits
2020 has been an unexpected year for most of us. We’ve been faced with new challenges, a lot of changes, and that comes with many different emotional responses. As the 2020 presidential election gets closer and the winter blues start to kick in, we’ll need some more self care tools, tips and tricks to get us through this winter.
Join us as we explore a variety of materials, learn more about emotional regulation, and make some tools that can help us in our times of need.
Learning in the Making: Self-Love Headgear
Hats, tiaras, and crowns, oh my! One way people across cultures have displayed their love for themselves and their culture is headgear! From the Indigenous peoples of the Americas to the ancient pharaohs of Egypt to the royals in England to football teams with their helmets, people have designed special pieces to be worn on their heads to communicate and celebrate who they are. What do you love about yourself? How can you share what you love about yourself with the world around you?
Learning in the Making: Autumn Festival Lanterns
Not only do lanterns look beautiful, they are often used to celebrate cultural traditions. If you live in the United States, you have probably made a jack-o-lantern for Halloween. In Hindu culture, a Kandeel lantern is used during Diwali, the Festival of Lights. In Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese cultures, lanterns are used in cultural celebrations such as the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival. This festival is a celebration of the moon and the Autumn harvest. This year it is celebrated on October 1st, 2020! What other types of lanterns and cultural celebrations can you think of?
Learning in the Making: Observation Machines
Looking for something fun to make at home? Each week we are collecting and curating resources around a topic and this week the topic is looking closely at nature. We’ll be building observation machines — from materials you have at home — to illuminate objects from nature in new and surprising ways. Read more…
Learning in the Making: Storytelling
Everyone has stories to tell. These stories could be true or could come entirely from your imagination. Who are the characters? What world do they live in? What challenges do they face? Authors have the power to share their vision of a different world. Storytelling also connects us to our history and our ancestors. By creating stories we help other people see different ways of living. In our activities over the next two weeks, we will engage in some imaginative world making — where we will create fantastic characters and settings that expand our imagination of what is possible and what is important. Read more…
Learning in the Making: Stop Motion Animation
Ever wonder how your favorite cartoon characters come to life? It is done through the process of animation. Stop motion is one style of animation, and it’s really simple! Instead of drawings, artists use objects to create their illustrations. This week our guest host Bárbara Yarza will teach us the basic principles of stop motion animation as we explore our stories of self. Read more…
Learning in the Making: Letter Writing & Pop-up Cards
Looking for something fun to make at home? Each week we are collecting and curating resources around a topic and this week is letter writing and pop-up cards. We are focusing on making with what you have around the house. Here’s some inspiration to get you started! Read more…
Learning in the Making: Visual Poetry
Looking for something fun to make at home? Each week we are collecting and curating resources around a topic and this week is visual poetry.
Poetry is all around us—in books and magazines and in the lyrics to your favorite hip hop song. Whether written on paper or spoken out loud, poetry taps into the power of words to express feelings, communicate ideas, and tell stories. A visual poem (sometimes known as a concrete poem) is a written poem that creates a visual image that relates to its meaning. We will be using our imaginations and creativity to create different shapes with words! Here’s some inspiration to get you started. Read more…