As libraries evolve beyond quiet reading rooms, maker programs have emerged as dynamic hubs of creativity, innovation, and community engagement. Across the United States, public, school, and academic libraries are embracing makerspaces—equipped with 3D printers,… Success Stories: How Libraries Nationwide Run Maker Programs
In recent years, researchers, educators, and child development specialists have given renewed attention to the the role of unstructured play (also called free play or child-led play) during early childhood (ages 0–6). Rather than viewing… Why Unstructured Play Matters in Early Learning
In an age of screens and packaged toys, tinkering stands out as a powerful, simple way to nurture problem-solving skills in preschool children. Tinkering refers to children experimenting, exploring, and manipulating materials or tools in… How Tinkering Builds Problem-Solving Skills in Preschoolers
Making—children designing, building, testing, and improving with real materials—creates the ideal conditions for cognitive growth in the early years (roughly birth to age 8). It naturally blends attention, memory, problem-solving, self-control, and flexible thinking because children must plan, persist, shift strategies, and communicate ideas while their hands are busy. In… The Role of Making In Early Childhood Cognitive Growth
Maker learning is the practice of designing, building, testing, and improving ideas with real materials. Done at home, it nurtures curiosity, perseverance, problem-solving, fine-motor control, and executive function—the mental “air traffic control” needed for focus and self-regulation. When caregivers set up simple conditions… How Caregivers Can Support Maker Learning At Home
Public libraries are uniquely positioned to support early learners (ages 0–8) because they already excel at family engagement, free access, and developmentally appropriate programming. In 2025, library programs for children continue to grow, with more families seeking hands-on, play-based… How Libraries Can Create Low-Cost Maker Spaces For Early Learners
The years between ages 2 and 6 are often called the foundation years. During this time, children are not only growing physically but also developing socially, emotionally, and intellectually at an incredible pace. Research on brain development has… The Importance Of Hands-On Learning For Children Ages 2–6
Young children are natural explorers and creators. Between ages 2 to 6, kids develop rapidly in motor skills, language, thinking, and social awareness. Maker activities — hands-on, open-ended, creative projects — allow them to tinker, experiment, fail,… Top 10 Maker Activities For Kids Ages 2–6
