b'AtBrechin,thestaffrecognizedwith not many rooms.In the fall, the thatsomecausalfactorsforthelowopportunity arose to have a couple of literacy and numeracy rates had lessrooms in the school renovated.Brechin todowiththestudentscognitiveElementarywasthuspresentedwith capacitiesandmoretodowiththeanunusualbutexcitingprospect:a negativeattitudestowardsschoolbrand new unoccupied room complete anddisengagementfromlearningwith a new floor, wall to wall shelves thatmanyofthestudentswereand spacious cabinets.Conveniently, bringingtotheclassroom.Studentsthis room was adjacent to the library. havebeenincreasinglyexpressingaMany ideas were proposed as to what dislike for school and a lack of focusthisroomshouldbeusedforandin on their lessons and assignments.Inthe end it was decided through a staff- response,Brechinwantedtomakewidedemocraticvotethatitwould learningfunforthestudentsandbecomeavibrantMakerSpacein kindle in them a joy for learning andwhich our students could plan, design theschoolexperience.IfaMakerand create projects. Spacecouldhelpmakethathappen, maybeitwouldspreadandstudentsStockingtheMakerSpacewas would take a greater interest in theiranimmediatepriorityaswellas academic subjects. creating a user schedule and roster of upcoming projects.Brechins librarian A Maker Space is Created extraordinaire, Wendy Robertson, led SpaceisatapremiumatBrechinthechargeineachoftheseregards. Elementary.AlthoughastudentShemadelistsofmaterialstoget, population of 200 may appear small,collecteddiscardedsetsofLego, Brechinisaphysicallysmallschoolcollaboratively planned with teachers Chatter about favorite books abounded as students crafted creatures ranging from Pinnochio to Harry Potter.The excitement was infectious.Page7'