Category: youth

Thanks to guest blogger Michelle Mismash of the Toronto Tool Library for this post.

Hello Danforth East Community!
Michelle here to give you an exciting update on the youth programs at Toronto Tool Library’s Danforth location. In April I wrapped up my time at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. You can now call me Master! This summer, we have been working hard to make our youth programs the best that they can be. We have a new name – TTL Kids! – a delightful new logo, a great slogan, and even a super cool mascot! Now we’re about to launch our fall after-school programs. All part of a day’s work as your Youth Programs Coordinator.

At the heart of the maker movement is the idea that all students are creators. Instead of memorizing and regurgitating facts, Young Makers are encouraged to use their skills and what they know to solve problems while designing and building their own projects. We believe in embracing failure as part of the making process, and allowing Young Makers to take risks on the way to creating something great. Making promotes a growth mindset, enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and acts as a powerful force for inclusion. TTL Kids! is committed to ensuring that all Makers in the making have access to mentors, creative spaces, community, and tools.

While the TTL’s makerspace has a community unto itself, being part the Danforth East Community is very important to us. This summer, I might have met some of you while facilitating activities at the East Lynn Park Farmers’ Market. I loved working with your Young Makers to create D.I.Y. spin-art, build marshmallow catapults, fashion buttons, and craft little brush-bots. In the coming weeks, TTL Kids! will be bringing more engaging activities to the market. Look for our tutorials on making spectroscopes, balloon hovercrafts, and pocket LED flashlights! A big thank you to DECA for making space for us, and a great big thank you to all of you for supporting our efforts with youth programs so far!

Why not continue to inspire your Young Makers with a creative, hands-on after school program this fall? To celebrate the beginning of a new school year, we’re offering an early bird discount of 10% off the Youth Program of your choice. Use the code BACKTOSCHOOL10 at checkout before September 15th. Full descriptions of each program are available HERE.

It’s been a blast of a summer, and we can’t wait to meet our new and returning Young Makers this fall!