Boomer's Maker Monday Club
In this an ongoing club, students will be given mini challenges, that can be completed in one class period using a specific set of common household materials. This class focuses on building social emotional skills of all learners.
Brenda Ban
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(479)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekProjects
1-2 throughout the classGrading
I am happy to offer feedback on how a learner moves through the process of the challenge, however I will not grade a final product. This class focuses on kids social emotional skills of following directions, resilience, perseverance, working through adversity and creativity. There is not a correct way to complete the challenge, although I might have learners add on to their creation to provide enrichment or direction. The evaluation is a written summery of strengths and areas of improvement relating to the process.Class Experience
US Grade 1 - 4
Looking for a place that your child can be themselves, self reflect and learn that mistakes make us stronger? The Maker Monday class is a safe place for all learners and Boomer (my Labrador Retriever) always makes a guest appearance in class! In this class, learners are introduced to the Maker mindset which allows kids to plan or imagine, create or try the plan, and then make improvements to the project. This process allows kids to visualize what they think they might want to do, try the plan, fail and then problem solve. I do not do a project for the learner, but might ask questions to inspire new thoughts. Since this is a Maker class, we focus on a lot of different topics, but it all revolves around making something in a challenge. The class starts with introducing the materials brought to class, brainstorming on what the challenge might be, and then introducing the challenge. Each learner is asked to make a plan, share the plan with me and then start creating on their own. The majority of class time are the learners working, some like to talk while working, some like to mute themselves. To start the class, sometimes, I will show a google slide, sometimes I will show a video, sometimes I show a picture to inspire creativity. We talk about the challenge and I provide background knowledge if needed. Then the kids get busy working. Each week, a materials list will be sent out on Friday and Sunday, and there is always a list in this class materials section. Most of the materials are common house hold items, a few may need to be purchased.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to self reflect on accomplishments and failures.Students will use mistakes to improve a design.
Other Details
Learning Needs
This is a great class for ALL types of learners. A challenge is given and the learners are able to solve the challenge in their own unique way. They share their idea and product with me, but the emphasis is on the process not the product.
Supply List
September 9- 100 tooth picks and 2 cups of mini marshmallows, a piece of paper and a pencil. September 16- 1 large container of playdoh, 1 Cardboard tubes, 1 ruler, 1 plastic water bottle, assorted materials that you already have (pom poms, feathers, beads, gems, pipe cleaners), craft sticks, aluminum foil, paper plate, paper bowl, scissor, tape, glue, piece of paper, and a pencil. September 23-1 smooth river rock (can be purchased at a dollar store, or found on the ground. Small enough to fit in the palm on your child's hand when fingers closed). Pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, 1-2 sharpie markers, paper, 2-3 toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls, tape, glue scissors, 10 pieces of paper, a pencil. September 30-1 small to medium stuffed animal, 10 pieces of paper, tape, and a pencil October 7-Several sections of news paper, tape, glue, scissors, a sheet of paper and a pencil. October 21-Life Savers Peppermints, Craft (popsicle) Sticks, Coffee Stirrer Straws, Drinking Straws, Scissors and TapeIndex Cards, Ramp (made out of cardboard is fine) measuring tape, paper and a pencil. October 28-A cardboard box that is already a box, scissors, tape, paper and a pencil. The learners will gather more materials during class, based on their plan. November 4-Index cards, construction paper, cardboard, bottle tops, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, toilet paper rolls, string, straws, paper and a pencil. November 11-Aluminum foil ( a lot), scissors, ruler, paper and a pencil. November 18-One stuffed animal, lots of construction paper, tape, 10 sheets of copy paper, and a pencil. November 25-Notebook paper, tape, and a pencil. December 2- 2 toy cars (matchbox cars are perfect), card board tubes, rubber bands, craft sticks, scissors, tape, measuring tape, paper and a pencil. December 9-Popped popcorn, paper, tape, straws, 1 disposable cup any size, anda pencil. December 16-1 box of wafer (flat bottom) ice cream cones, measuring tape, paper and a pencil December 23- Fruitloops (off brand will also work) , string, Oven mitts, tweezers, paper clips, pipe cleaners, paper and a pencil. December 30-1 brown paper lunch sack bag, construction paper, pipe cleaners, cardboard, pom pom balls, paper and a pencil. January 6-Index cards, 1 empty milk jug, newspaper, 1 balloon, scissors, tape, 1 piece of paper and a pencil.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
479reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Oakland University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University
I have been teaching on Outschool since April of 2020 and am an elementary school educator who knows how to create hands on activities which empower thriving children of all ages.
I specialize in providing a vast variety of hands on activities that promote the value of social and emotional intelligence as well as the importance of showing children their potential. There is not always a right answer in learning, children thrive in all different ways and I find great joy in helping them discover their gifts and talents.
Over the course of 25 years in the classroom, I have taught 1st grade, kindergarten through 3rd grade media literacy classes, and kindergarten through 5th grade computer application classes. I have also tutored kindergarten through 5th grade students in all subject areas and am TESOL certified. I am an advocate for children and believe in helping them to reach their potential, while understanding all of our minds think differently. Being able to discover how each person finds success is such a gift.
I am a proud owner of Boomer, my Labrador Retriever. He loves to be by me all the time and wants to be part of my teaching. Pets bring such joy and unconditional love, that it just seems natural to involve him in my classes. He has a lot to teach and learn!Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 39 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-10
1-12 learners per class
