<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0tpg1f_0vlCLLWv00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0tpg1f_0vlCLLWv00" width="640" height="480" ><figcaption>Life-sized figures made by students working in the MakerSpace at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff. Photo courtesy of the MakerSpace at Morton.</figcaption></figure>The educational phenomenon of the MakerSpace has been gracing the steps of public schools, libraries, and museums since 2005. In 2021, a $50,000 Learn, Play, Create grant from Dutchess County enabled the local MakerSpace program at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff to be created and to expand to include Morton’s Pollinator Gardens (located at the Library, Firemen’s Field and the Rhinecliff Dock) as well. Each MakerSpace functions in its own way – some workshops focusing on technology, while others prefer the artistic approach – all are meant to serve their community by bringing together different ages and skill levels to learn and create together. It was a no-brainer decision for Library board members Avery Gilbert and Kate Cox to bring on Judy Cook – local artist, educator, and parent. Cook, the “MakerSpace Maven,” has led the project for the past three years and prides herself on letting kids create and express themselves in the safe and comfortable downstairs space at the Morton. A New Program for Neurodivergent Children and their Parents<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3FJkAo_0vlCLLWv00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3FJkAo_0vlCLLWv00" width="640" height="480" ><figcaption>Photo courtesy of the MakerSpace at Morton.</figcaption></figure>For the past few years, MakerSpace has offered programs for elementary and middle schoolers after school on Mondays and Tuesdays; a homeschool group on Thursdays; and another group on Fridays. This year, MakerSpace is focusing on two groups and has cut back its hours. Some families might be disappointed not to have a full week of MakerSpace activities, but in some ways this year is probably the most exciting year for Cook, who is thrilled to welcome a class of 10 neurodivergent pupils. “It’s amazing,” she said. “It’s so hard to get the word out there but we found ourselves with this group of 10.”Providing a program for neurodivergent participants has been a passion project of Cook's since MakerSpace came to Morton. “It’s always been something I’ve wanted to do and this is the first time we’ve got enough people to actually run a class specifically for neurodivergent children.” Creating an entertaining space with a group ranging in age from six to 13 can be a challenge. “The mixed ages can be pretty tricky, but it's doable,” said Cook. But, you won’t hear parents complain, as many are ecstatic that an opportunity for their children exists in the Rhinebeck/Rhinecliff community. “I think the trick is finding projects where each one is going to be able to be successful in their own way,” Cook explained.Art Therapy has Many BenefitsThe benefits associated with art therapy with neurodiverse children are many, and Cook knows from experience the advantages alternative learning can provide for families. Having a “differently wired” son herself, Cook has always enjoyed using art to help kids express themselves in healthy ways. “It’s not always easy. I try to look for spaces where I can help educate the children a little bit. They can get frustrated at the other kids who are doing things a little differently and sometimes they’re being too loud or they aren’t concentrating. I really try to help them be a little tolerant andexplain that we all have our differences and we have to sometimes accept and work around each other.” <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0HrsQI_0vlCLLWv00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0HrsQI_0vlCLLWv00" width="480" height="640" ><figcaption>Sewing is one of the many skills learned at the MakerSpace.&nbsp; Photo courtesy of the MakerSpace at Morton.</figcaption></figure>Multiple studies have supported the fact that art therapy teaches kids how to express empathy as well as helping develop social and cognitive skills, according to the ABA Center of America (Applied Behavior Analysis). In addition, it can improve self-awareness, motor skill development, and sensory stimulation. Cook makes sure her students have tools that can support their needs, including their own sensory table and a large supply of Orbeez water beads. Cook allows her students to participate in whatever way they feel comfortable. Some students even make science experiments with the little gel balls, dyeing them with liquid watercolors that cause them to glow when they are put under lights.The Annual Baking/Cooking Competition<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2bvdAt_0vlCLLWv00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2bvdAt_0vlCLLWv00" width="640" height="480" ><figcaption>Masks at the MakerSpace.&nbsp; Photo courtesy of the MakerSpace at Morton.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>Cook’s goal for MakerSpace is to allow the kids to have autonomy over what they want to do, but still have a structured environment that provides some limits on what they can make, while still keeping everything light and fun. “And fun is really where it’s at when it comes to learning,” Cook said. “I’m just blown away by what the kids create. They are natural artists.” The undisputed favorite activity is the annual Cake Baking competition. “The first year it was just cakes but I opened it up to any kind of food and the kids absolutely went to town with it,” Cook laughed. Creations have included dishes of salmon, spaghetti and meatballs, sushi, and a charcuterie board, as well as cakes. The contest judge is Library Director Sandy Bartlett, who said she struggles with selecting a winner since all entries are so well done. “Some of them are so good! They look like they’re edible, so I’m just hungry for a lot of the Bake Off,” Bartlett joked. “The first year there were more desserts, but this past spring it was just food and every bit was impressive.” The beauty of MakerSpace can be seen through the kids who return year after year. “Every kid is very different and some kids are natural born makers – this is really what they’re on the planet to do. And this is a really special space for those kids, said Cook, said Cook. And parents are happy to return every year, too. "My kid struggles with perfectionism. But the way Judy engages and responds to the kids is changing her relationship to her process. It's beautiful to see," said Chi Bornfree, whose child is new to MakerSpace. MakerSpace will evolve at Morton for as long as people wish to participate, but what Judy Cook hopes to accomplish is to get more neurodivergent families interested. “I want it to be a place where people can find community and find support from people who have had a similar experience, where their children are completely accepted and enjoyed,” she said. And while Cook is thrilled that she was able to create a group for those 10 neurodivergent families, she has plans for the program to grow. “I really want to provide more options for kids – so they have more opportunities and exposure to different experiences.” The Morton MakerSpace is a free program funded by Morton Memorial Library. Classes are full for this term, but the program is expected to return in the spring.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

MakerSpace and the People Who Make it Happen

The educational phenomenon of the MakerSpace has been gracing the steps of public schools, libraries, and museums since 2005. In 2021, a $50,000 Learn, Play, Create grant from Dutchess County enabled the local MakerSpace program at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff to be created and to expand to include Morton’s Pollinator Gardens (located at the Library, Firemen’s Field and the Rhinecliff Dock) as well.