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How to Build a Creation Station

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A Creation Station is the perfect way to give a child an opportunity to use his imagination to invent a piece of art work, a new character, or machine to name just a few ideas. My sons and I put one together recently. Our Creation Station is a huge hit. This post includes ideas on how to build a creation station in your learning environment.

How to Build a Creation Station

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” ― Thomas A. Edison


How to Build a Creation Station

Accessibility is key.

We have a cabinet in our kitchen area (where the boys like to work). The cabinets are fully accessible to my 4 and 5 year old. There are two shelves for various arts and crafts. Then we have a drawer with paper and other goodies with which to build. Blocks and vehicles are close by.

Build a Creation Station

Everything should have a place.

Have containers designated for your various creation materials. I particularly like Really Useful Boxes and Sistema Containers for this purpose.  For you and your child, you want to make pick up easy and doable.

Personalize the Creation Station

Make a sign, let kids decorate their creation station! Creating and inventing is something to celebrate and cause for excitement!

Invention Box

 

Encourage Planning

The development of executive functioning skills is an important one for kids! Encourage planning by including a journal and a special pen or pencil for designing their ideas.

Work in Progress

Letting children know that it is okay to take a break, that often we need to give our minds a rest, is a great lesson. Completing a work cycle is important, too, but giving ourselves time to process ideas is equally as critical. To achieve this goal, all on their own, my sons came up with an “Invention Box” to store materials they would like to use for their next invention and for inventions in progress. I think I might just make myself an invention box!

Inventing with Kids

Creation Station Materials

This list is what we have in our area. By no means is this list limited to these items! All materials are optional of course. I suggest having a cutting tool, an adhesive, and paper as a basic foundation. From that point, the possibilities are truly endless. I am betting you have many of the items below in your space already.

  • Googly Eyes
  • Scissors
  • Corks
  • Clothespins
  • Gems
  • Sponges
  • Yarn
  • String
  • Straws
  • Markers
  • Pencils
  • Crayons
  • Chalk
  • Rubber Bands
  • Painters Tape
  • Scotch Tape
  • Duct Tape
  • Paper Clips
  • Recycled Materials
  • Stencils
  • Stickers
  • School Glue
  • Glue Sticks
  • Low Temp Glue Gun (for older kids)
  • Stapler
  • Paper Hole Punches
  • Construction Paper
  • Cardstock
  • Computer Paper
  • Tissue Paper
  • Cotton Balls
  • Pom Poms
  • Pipecleaners
  • Nature Objects like sticks, rocks, cones, needles, leaves

CREATING WITH KIDS

You might be interested in checking out Children’s Books Celebrating Creativity to get inspired and excited about inventing. Once the process begins you will be taken on adventures you never imagined with the children. Enjoy!

Marnie

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