As you, uh, might have guessed by these tutorials on making pure coconut oil soap, powdered laundry soap and powdered foundation, I’m a maker . . . a tinkerer, if you will. I’ve wanted to translate this passion to the potami for a long while now, just like my mom did for me. But frankly, I wasn’t sure how.
Then last year I put Tinkerlab: A hands-on guide for little inventors on my holiday wish list. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it did not disappoint! It’s more than a project book – though it does contain a lot of fun ideas. It’s a guide to creating an atmosphere that encourages creativity, exploration, and innovation.
But here’s the thing, what it’s NOT is probably just as important as what it is. Tinkerlab is not is a book that shows you how to re-create someone else’s creative endeavor.
It doesn’t provide a lot of picture-perfect “final” shots that will leave kids insecure if theirs don’t look the same. There is gorgeous photography for sure, but most of it focuses on enjoyment of the process. I absolutely LOVE that about this book, because it helps my kids dive into the creative process instead of anxiously striving for some pre-determined goal.
If you’re looking for a good book that encourages learning and problem solving through play, I highly recommend Tinkerlab!
If you are looking for more of an experiment kit, check out Green Kids Crafts.
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”
-Ann Landers
