They become hackers and rebels:
This rebellion, understand, is a non-conformity with what is already established. It is a desire to explore materials, tools, concepts, and the world differently, with a fresh perspective!
They become system thinkers:
Thinking like a Maker leads to examining all parts of a system, instead of simple cause and effect. When something doesn't work, there can be many causes, or, for something to work, there are many parts that can influence success. Thus, a Maker doesn't just look at the most obvious cause but at all the "pieces" that make up a system and seeks a way to success in each one.
They are ready for the creative economy:
Creative companies grow by 15% each year, and one in a hundred people works in the creative industry. The creative economy is inclusive and improves cultural relationships between individuals, undoubtedly being the economy of the future. Therefore, it is essential to prepare today's children for the economy of the future.
They think divergently:
The Little Prince would never have seen the elephant inside the boa constrictor if he didn't possess divergent thinking! Thinking divergently is looking at options from the most obvious to the most improbable. Creative techniques such as brainstorming or idea association, among many others, thrive on this type of thinking.
They become authentically different:
We all want to belong to some group; a sense of belonging is essential for humans. Consequently, as we grow, we often set aside our authenticity to give voice to the ideas and desires of others. Developing Maker thinking gives us more certainty about what we like, what motivates us, and, therefore, we become more authentic. Creating skills and competencies that make us happier and more authentic is one of the advantages of the Maker movement.
They become explorers:
An explorer is curious, someone who wants to know more about how the world works and is observant. To do this, they collect objects, ideas, images, and emotions, and in doing so, begin to understand their motivations.
They become more empathetic:
Empathy is the feeling that can change society! In work, education, family, everything would be different if everyone knew how to put themselves in someone else's shoes.
They are more engaged in learning:
If what we are doing or learning stems from a need or motivation that is ours, the result can only be a love for learning and total engagement!
They learn to take creative risks:
Risk is often viewed as negative, but it can also be seen as something positive. When we put creativity at the service of risk, it can even turn a threat into an opportunity. In the Maker movement, as we seek solutions, we are often confronted with the need to take creative risks in the search for solutions.
They become problem solvers:
With the Maker movement comes the autonomy to use different types of digital and manual tools and the practice of doing things with their own hands. When we can correctly identify the problem, we are already on the way to a solution. Combining these two premises with creativity and authenticity enables children to find solutions with the ability to truly execute them.
They make meaningful connections between ideas:
A Maker gets hands-on, experiments with the materials at their disposal, uses tools supported by their curiosity and love of learning. When analyzing a problem, they do it with depth and truly engage. After looking at a problem, using all the skills that this type of thinking develops, the depth with which a Maker relates ideas and concepts is undoubtedly greater!
If this article seems important to you, enroll your child in Future Makers Summer through this form!