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Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors
Encourage tinkering, curiosity, and creative thinking in children of all ages with these 55 hands-on activities that explore art, science, and more The creator of the highly popular creativity site for kids, Tinkerlab.com, now delivers dozens of engaging, kid-tested, and easy-to-implement projects that will help parents and teachers bring out the natural tinkerer in every kid—even babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The creative experiments shared in this book foster curiosity, promote creative and critical thinking, and encourage tinkering—mindsets that are important to children growing up in a world that values independent thinking. In addition to offering a host of activities that parents and teachers can put to use right away, this book also includes a buffet of recipes (magic potions, different kinds of play dough, silly putty, and homemade butter) and a detailed list of materials to include in the art pantry.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2014
80 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 3, 2014
This book's purpose is to provide different ways to experiment, discover and explore different materials with kids. It has a number of sections that touch on different aspects such as drawing, colouring, building, concocting and cooking. Throughout are scattered small interviews/Q&As from other parents, as well as longer essays about specific topics about learning and playing. It also starts with ways to set up a household for discovery and invitations to play.
The general sections are fairly interesting; I found probably a 1/2 dozen things I could do with the kids that we hadn't thought about or done before.
Overall, it was a good book, although it bordered on idealistic in terms of how much time parents would have to carry out activities, answer questions, and what not. It's definitely worth a look although it probably wouldn't be one I'd suggest buying to keep around for reference.
The general sections are fairly interesting; I found probably a 1/2 dozen things I could do with the kids that we hadn't thought about or done before.
Overall, it was a good book, although it bordered on idealistic in terms of how much time parents would have to carry out activities, answer questions, and what not. It's definitely worth a look although it probably wouldn't be one I'd suggest buying to keep around for reference.
June 5, 2014
This book is amazing.
May 28, 2014
Received a free copy from NetGalley.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The photos were lovely and added just the right touch to the book. I loved how it included kids in the set up, determining supplies, and encouraged them to look at boredom as a way of discovery. It also provides lists and ideas on how to turn a space in your home to a creative zone for your kids and great ideas and experiences that can be done outdoors. The activities are doable, kid friendly, and not expensive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The photos were lovely and added just the right touch to the book. I loved how it included kids in the set up, determining supplies, and encouraged them to look at boredom as a way of discovery. It also provides lists and ideas on how to turn a space in your home to a creative zone for your kids and great ideas and experiences that can be done outdoors. The activities are doable, kid friendly, and not expensive.
May 13, 2018
I got a lot of ideas how to make my time with my toddler more fun. I learned to dedicate a corner of our place to her art projects. I bought a small shelf to organise her art materials and got inspired to buy some art supplies and use ordinary materials, which I may want to recycle, for her art projects. I also learned some scientific ideas to practice with her when she shows some interest. Overall the book was very inspiring. I just wish there were more pictures instead of a lot of text.
August 18, 2014
This book would be a great resource for home childcare providers, home schoolers, unschoolers and nannies. Great tips and ideas to encourage creativity and exploration with children from 2 through primary school.
June 19, 2014
This a fun book with lots of ideas for "tinkering"-- not necessarily proscribed projects but good ideas for creative play.
December 30, 2017
This is really great idea for a book, it just wasn't exactly what I was looking for. For new parents or anyone new to setting up creative spaces for kids, this would be a great book.
July 14, 2017
I got this from the library and didn't actually finish the whole thing because I had to return it before we left for vacation. I teach child development and early childhood education, plus run a preschool in my high school classroom. I am also the parent of two children (8 & 9 years old). I picked up this book to read mainly for ideas to use in my classroom. I found a lot of good suggestions and inspiration for changes to make at school. I am a firm believer in play-based learning and providing an environment for children to develop and use their imaginations and creativity in their play. I plan to purchase a copy of this as an addition to my teaching reference library.
November 3, 2017
I love this book. I shelve at our library and came across it when it was on my cart. I have one granddaughter who is nearly two. I am so excited to implement the ideas in this book! I read a review from someone who was hoping more for ready to go ideas and not so much theory. I adore theory. But there are a lot of ideas that are ready to go, or those that need minimal planning. I find it helpful to understand the educational and developmental reasons behind the ideas. And it is so easy to expand on the basics. In fact I have ordered a copy for myself to have at hand.
June 21, 2018
Lots of great ideas for experiments to do with your kids and a couple that sounded interesting enough I wanted to try them myself (draw on a banana, paint with string and marker explosions)! I thought at first that the experiments leaned heavily on different types of painting experiments before I realized that the book was divided into sections with the first one being devoted just to art. There were lots of ideas for older kids that won't work yet for my son, but there were plenty of ideas I could use right now. I borrowed this book from the library, but I would buy this book.
February 19, 2019
This had some good ideas but it was a lot of reading and I much prefer a visual example. It also if for parents at home where as I was looking for examples to use in the classroom.
I will definitely be putting paper on the slide and sending the kids down the ramp with colours and paint cars etc.
I will also be setting up some water runs.
I will definitely be putting paper on the slide and sending the kids down the ramp with colours and paint cars etc.
I will also be setting up some water runs.
September 30, 2019
Very good if you haven't started doing much crafting yet, or set up a dedicated crafting area, however my eldest is seven and we've already done everything in the first section (or something very similar). I expected more ideas related to 'tinkering' with hammers, nails, saws, timber etc. rather than arts and crafts. Some great ideas, and lovely presentation, just not for us.
January 7, 2020
This is FANTASTIC. Anyone who does art or activities with young children should check this out. The text is very accessible and there is so much practical information in it. I like how Doorley combined her expertise with info from early childhood and art experts. I hope there are more books like this coming from Doorley.
July 1, 2022
I read this at a lounge in a science museum while my 1 year-old slept. It's so good and informative, and definitely has creative exercises that support what kids are already doing at home - e.g., spilling liquids, blowing bubbles - to make fun art! I definitely got more ideas for things to do with my kids, and I'm very sure they will be 100% interested ❤️
December 11, 2017
Lots of very fun experiences laid out in a way guaranteed to foster creativity, yet structured enough that I’m not afraid to give them a try!
July 2, 2018
Lots of great ideas!!
October 27, 2020
Needing this one for home!
November 16, 2020
A great read for parents and caregivers of littles. Many fun ideas to do with them.
July 28, 2022
Cool kid projects. The author presents fun ideas to make a creative home. I love the photos of kid art tables in dining rooms, garages, and living rooms.
January 20, 2024
I just skimmed this book for ideas. The best was to create a tinkerlab in your home for kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2015
I have been doing some extensive reading and researching to plan for some new things in 2015. I have read or I should say attempted to read many books that fit into the categories of STEM, Art, and the Maker world. Some are not very good because people just want the quick buck.
But, there are some mandatory reading and one of those is Tinkerlab by Rachelle Doorley. This book takes a look at play, experiments, tinkering, and creative thinking for young kids. However, what I found was a book that was loaded with ideas and projects that spark this creative flare in any age and person.
The book contains 55 experiments with paint, art, pulleys, electricity, playdough, naked eggs, goop, lava lamps and more.
This is one of the very few books where I did more than just read and took notes. I actually played!IMG_1466
I brought in my kids to help and you can see that we had a blast. My two daughters loved the painting activities from painting various objects to salt mixed with watercolor.
IMG_2482
As an adult who has a kid heart I took the ideas and developed my own. I took the idea of using stickers with paint and started to handcraft my own presentation slide templates.
IMG_2478
My final proof to the power of this book is that my daughter who is 3 and cannot read loves this book. She tracks it down and knows exactly how to use it. She goes to an activity, looks at the pictures, attempts to find the materials, and asks me to join her. It has turned out to be a resource that has led to some great family time experimenting and playing which is what I preach in all my teaching at school.
You can see her passion with paint all over her face. She did not care as she was in the zone!
IMG_2481 IMG_1465
This should be a required book in any maker bookshelf, classroom, parent, and teacher. There is something for anyone even though the activities are designed for younger kids. I am working on taking these ideas as a launching point to hook kids to remind them what it is like to think young again and build momentum from there to higher levels of thoughts.
I also took the content and am applying the ideas to my classroom in general in regards to materials, open access, and creating a positive environment to explore and ask questions.
I really hope more people check this book out as it surprised me in how helpful and enjoyable the book was to read. I cannot wait until the weekend to do more experimenting.
You can buy the book here
Check out her website and social media as well. I just followed it all to stay motivated.
But, there are some mandatory reading and one of those is Tinkerlab by Rachelle Doorley. This book takes a look at play, experiments, tinkering, and creative thinking for young kids. However, what I found was a book that was loaded with ideas and projects that spark this creative flare in any age and person.
The book contains 55 experiments with paint, art, pulleys, electricity, playdough, naked eggs, goop, lava lamps and more.
This is one of the very few books where I did more than just read and took notes. I actually played!IMG_1466
I brought in my kids to help and you can see that we had a blast. My two daughters loved the painting activities from painting various objects to salt mixed with watercolor.
IMG_2482
As an adult who has a kid heart I took the ideas and developed my own. I took the idea of using stickers with paint and started to handcraft my own presentation slide templates.
IMG_2478
My final proof to the power of this book is that my daughter who is 3 and cannot read loves this book. She tracks it down and knows exactly how to use it. She goes to an activity, looks at the pictures, attempts to find the materials, and asks me to join her. It has turned out to be a resource that has led to some great family time experimenting and playing which is what I preach in all my teaching at school.
You can see her passion with paint all over her face. She did not care as she was in the zone!
IMG_2481 IMG_1465
This should be a required book in any maker bookshelf, classroom, parent, and teacher. There is something for anyone even though the activities are designed for younger kids. I am working on taking these ideas as a launching point to hook kids to remind them what it is like to think young again and build momentum from there to higher levels of thoughts.
I also took the content and am applying the ideas to my classroom in general in regards to materials, open access, and creating a positive environment to explore and ask questions.
I really hope more people check this book out as it surprised me in how helpful and enjoyable the book was to read. I cannot wait until the weekend to do more experimenting.
You can buy the book here
Check out her website and social media as well. I just followed it all to stay motivated.
March 9, 2015
Reading this reminded me of childhood rainy afternoons curled up with the Childcraft "Made and Do" book, except Tinkerlab contains a lot more in-depth explanation behind the different crafts and mediums (blocks, sand, play-doh, glue) and how they help children develop artistic and mental abilities. The book encourages care-givers to set up "invitations" to play, discover and learn: setting up a simple work space complete with everything needed for a specific project.
The book encourages you to let your child fail, and it even quotes the "Mindset" book I just finished in January that failure helps a child think through solutions, ask questions and move past seeing it as a "failure." It's also important to simply play with your child in an open-ended way, without pushing for a very specific end result.
Some of the projects we may try soon: homemade play-doh, making natural dyes, edible paint and hopefully setting up a more organized Tinkerlab.
Thank you, Aunt Debbie for this wonderful book that I plan to refer back to all the time! My four-year old has taken the inspiration and run with it!
The book encourages you to let your child fail, and it even quotes the "Mindset" book I just finished in January that failure helps a child think through solutions, ask questions and move past seeing it as a "failure." It's also important to simply play with your child in an open-ended way, without pushing for a very specific end result.
Some of the projects we may try soon: homemade play-doh, making natural dyes, edible paint and hopefully setting up a more organized Tinkerlab.
Thank you, Aunt Debbie for this wonderful book that I plan to refer back to all the time! My four-year old has taken the inspiration and run with it!
July 28, 2016
This is a great book full of research and inspiration regarding creative activities to help children explore art and science. Each section includes practical information about logistics and supplies for art and exploration activities that children can complete alone or with adult guidance. Doorley also includes many tutorials for specific projects, such as bubble printing and deconstruction, as well as ways to extend the activity for enthusiastic explorers. Also, each chapter builds from very simple tasks that even small children can enjoy to more complex projects that older children can complete with help from parents or teachers. I borrowed this book from the library, but I can't wait to get my own copy to use in the school library and at home.
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July 1, 2014Pros:
Lots of great ideas all contained together in one place.
It's all real. The ideas presented ... the need to encourage creativity and the ability for kids to be OK with the unknown and experimentation. They are real, real needs I see everyday that standardized tests and prescribed curriculums do not address.
Cons:
Well, I'm going to admit it. MESS. I'm not a parent so I was reading this with the library classroom in mind. And the potential for MESS if you had more than two or three kiddos trying any of these at a time. I'll admit. Feels overwhelming.
A lot of the ideas could be found online for free.
Not a fan of playing with food.
Lots of great ideas all contained together in one place.
It's all real. The ideas presented ... the need to encourage creativity and the ability for kids to be OK with the unknown and experimentation. They are real, real needs I see everyday that standardized tests and prescribed curriculums do not address.
Cons:
Well, I'm going to admit it. MESS. I'm not a parent so I was reading this with the library classroom in mind. And the potential for MESS if you had more than two or three kiddos trying any of these at a time. I'll admit. Feels overwhelming.
A lot of the ideas could be found online for free.
Not a fan of playing with food.
November 7, 2014
A book that is pleasant to read and just plain pleasant to look at. You could just leave it on your kitchen table and flip through it a few times in the week and find something inspiring to do on the weekend. Some of the specific projects require a bit more prep and scavenging than others but the overall beauty of the projects makes it all worth it.
Oh, it would make a sweet gift for a new family or young parents. Our girls are a little too old for some of the things in this book but we all had a nice time thinking about how we could apply these ideas and reminiscing about how much fun we would have had when they were small.
Oh, it would make a sweet gift for a new family or young parents. Our girls are a little too old for some of the things in this book but we all had a nice time thinking about how we could apply these ideas and reminiscing about how much fun we would have had when they were small.
May 2, 2016
You’ve probably seen the pictures on Pinterest and maybe other social media, but perhaps didn’t realize the activities were Tinkerlab. What is Tinkerlab? Maybe you have heard about Tinkerlab classes or activity events in your area. What is the difference between Tinkerlab and loose parts? Minnesota even has Teen Tinker Lab events, and I’m sure events and classes are available in many states. If you want to know more, this book will make it easy to set up this kind of learning in your own home or classroom as a special event for for indoor recess. The book has 55 activities for children to explore their world with creative experiments with easy to find materials.
October 1, 2014
I love the blog so I had to get the book. Once I received the book my first impression was that this book might not be something for older kids. Most of the kids pictured are preschoolers or younger so I was a bit afraid that the book's suggested activities wouldn't be appropriate for older kids. I was so wrong! Lots of activities appropriate for my 7-8 year old Girl Scouts and my tween son too. Perfect combination of art and science--I can't wait to do some of these activities with my scout troop!
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June 30, 2015This book is AMAZING! My book is highlighted and full of post its! I am a mom and a nanny and I thought I have done every art/science project I could think of. This collection of ideas and tips is so unique and different! As a former preschool teacher, I am in love with her ideas about "loose parts" and the integration of nature and curiosity in these projects. The science experiments are awesome and even I can't wait to try them. The kids I watch are older now but I think they will still enjoy these. So happy I bought this, I will get much use out of it.
March 2, 2016
I love this book. It really embodies the way I try to parent and the experiences I want to give my kids. I've read her blog for years and the book is a great resource with a lot of ideas and inspiration in one place. There are lots of great ideas plus a lot of food for thought on why tinkering and creativity in general are so beneficial to kids. There are lots of types of activities in the book, from art to inventing to cooking and they are appealing to all ages. I like this because it offers so many ways to get your kids making things and thinking. Now on to the tinkering.
September 5, 2016
Good simple useful information. It does stress a working full time mom out. And my lo is 7 now so has outgrown this a bit. I'm
Thankful that her preschool offered some of these. Some came natural to us. We have paper and mark makers (her term for crayons markers pens etc) available all the time. And some I can still do! Slime, market explosion and foam relief all looked fun.
My fave quote: give yourself permission to be engaged in an activity where there's no goal. As a crafter, this is usually our biggest disconnect.
Thankful that her preschool offered some of these. Some came natural to us. We have paper and mark makers (her term for crayons markers pens etc) available all the time. And some I can still do! Slime, market explosion and foam relief all looked fun.
My fave quote: give yourself permission to be engaged in an activity where there's no goal. As a crafter, this is usually our biggest disconnect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews