How To Build Mini Whiteboard Maker Spaces for your Classroom

Using maker spaces in a classroom setting is very different to using maker spaces at home. You have to cater for more little hands excitedly wanting to contribute, and more creative minds whirring at the same time. That's why we came up with the idea of using mini whiteboards as maker spaces in the classroom. Firstly we will walk you through how to make your Mini Whiteboard Maker Spaces, followed by a separate blog post giving you some play based learning activities to do with your class.

Materials Needed to Make Mini Whiteboard Maker Spaces:

• Creative QT Peel 'n Stick Baseplates (available in a range of colours and quantity packs)
• Mini Whiteboards (we got ours for $1.97 each from Walmart)
• Sharp craft or utility knife
• A surface to cut safely on such as a chopping board or craft mat
• Scissors
• Building bricks to cut against (we used LEGO)

How to Make Mini Whiteboard Maker Spaces:

Step 1: Measuring Up

Decide how big you want the building surface to be on each mini whiteboard. We have demonstrated a range of styles to give you ideas, but go for what will work best with your class. Once you have it measured, mark it out with your LEGO bricks.

Step 2: Cutting the Baseplate

Place one hand firmly on the line of LEGO bricks and run the knife alongside the bricks all the way down the baseplate. Repeat this one more time making sure to follow the same groove.

Gently fold the baseplate along the groove. After some repeated and even pressure the baseplate will break, with the sticky backing remaining in tact underneath.

Step 3: Cutting the Sticky Backing

Simply cut along the break in the baseplate using scissors.

Step 4: Repeat for all Edges

Repeat this process of using the craft knife to cut the baseplate, applying pressure to break it, and then cutting the backing layer using scissors, for all four sides.

Step 5: Attaching the Baseplate

This part couldn't be any easier! Peel off the baseplate backing, position it where you want it to go, and stick it down with pressure. We just eyeballed this process, but you could of course measure the gaps left either side to be more precise. If you are concerned about any sharp corners left from cutting the baseplates, try using a nail file or sand paper to smooth them off.

Mini Whiteboard Maker Space Layout Ideas

In the pictures below you can see the three different layouts we designed for our maker spaces. We feel that each one offers different play based learning opportunities.

Ideal for working on literacy based learninag, with enough space to write underneath the baseplate:

Ideal for working on numeracy based learning, with room for using building bricks for sums and the whiteboard for answers:

Ideal for collaborative learning, where two students can either work together or play a game against each other:

Don't hesitate to contact us at info@creativeqt.net if you have any questions regarding our Peel 'n Stick Baseplates in general, or how to build your Mini Whiteboard Maker Spaces.

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Creative QT designs quality + innovative toys that declutter homes and inspire creative play. Founded by parents of five, Adam and Dana Sue Hinkle, Creative QT’s vision is to empower parents and encourage a culture of families that Make Time Together. All products are designed to enrich families’ lives through active, creative play and play based learning. Creative QT products are laboratory tested for compliance with CPSC requirements and are free of lead, cadmium and phthalates so you can play with confidence. So, go ahead … today is the day: be your kid’s hero.

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