A1-  

Never underestimate the power of seniors and grandparents! They are loaded with skills and experiences and would probably LOVE to help out in this capacity. They also may be less busy as parents, or may be looking for a way to give back or leave some legacy. Send a simple note home with students to grab this kind of help.

A2-  

Get them excited! The way that I was able to get colleagues on board was to show them in a staff/faculty meeting the possibilities of a makerspace; examples of projects, supplies, and photos of places I had visited in person or virtually (via internet!). I then began to partner with teachers, selecting a project and co-teaching the project to its completion. This energized them and made it a lot less scary. Basically, show them how awesome it is and see who reacts, they will be your allies in the process. I would love to help you and continue the conversation, feel free to reach me directly at rebeccaschnekser@capehenry.org

A3- 

I am lucky enough to have a teacher who is assigned library duty, in addition to me, every single day.  Since the role of a teacher in a makerspace (for the most part) is facilitator, this is a role that our teachers easily slip into.

A4-

To inspire adults to help out and supervise in makerspace, it’s important to develop a shared vision around the why behind makerspace. When individuals understand the value they become invested in the movement. Empowering voice and choice is critical too. Adults who have develop a passion for robotics are more likely to assist in that area, just as those who are passionate about art may be more attracted to supporting the free create stations.

A5-

This is a GREAT question!  Makerpaces and making programs are a wonderful opportunity for people to develop relationships that transcend age, gender, language, religion, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  There are many adults in your community who are more than happy to help supervise and share their skills.  They just don’t know about your program yet!

Visit your local library, museum, craft store, hobby shop, and even hardware store to see if there are classes that are offered.  Meet the instructors and invite them to visit your makerspace.  Adult education classes are also a way to meet people who have formed groups where they can meet and have conversation while they are crafting.  Other places to find adults who can help you are the local 4H, scouting groups, veterans groups, and mentoring programs.  These leaders are experts in connecting youth with adults.  Don’t overlook your local college where students and professors might be interested in giving their time.  Youth can also reciprocate by visiting their local nursing home or assisted living programs to make crafts with the residents.

– Kristina Holzweiss, President of Long Island LEADS (http://www.longislandleads.org) and Founder of SLIME – Students of Long Island Maker Expo (http://www.slimemakerexpo.com).  Visit our library at http://bsmslibratory.weebly.com.

A6-

One way that I’ve been able to get additional help in the makerspace is to host evening events, both for parents  as well as for other maker educators. In each case, it’s an informal gathering where we socialize and participate in some type of activity, sometimes making/tinkering with something (usually connected to what we’re doing at the moment in school),  screening a movie (like Most Likely to Succeed, CodeGirl, or similar), or just networking.

By the end of the evening, there are usually at least a few parents or community members who ask how they could lend a hand.

A7-

Training through shadowing.  Make sure newbies have an experienced adult with them for the first couple of times they are to be in the space.  At a minimum the experienced adult should be aware of the technology that will be available in the space.    It is also good to have your makerspace laid out into different themed activity areas and to have Starter Cards that adults can point students to in which to get started with an activity area.