Design

Future Makers: Why making is great for kids

Making – the art of creating, crafting, or inventing – is hardly a new concept, but it has enjoyed a resurgence of late. From creative coding classes and tech workshops to crafting and woodworking, more and more people are discovering the joy of tinkering.

If the benefits of making are great for adults, they’re even greater for children! Here are four ways making can boost your child’s learning, creativity, and confidence.

As children grow and learn, so do their brains, and creativity and crafting have a huge effect on this process. In fact, research has shown that children raised in creative environments enjoy enhanced synaptogenesis – the process of connecting synapses in the brain via learning, which helps little brains and bodies connect the dots necessary for forming well-rounded personalities, motor skills, and mental abilities.

Better Creativity

Encouraging your child to create gives them a fantastic outlet for expressing themselves. There are no wrong answers in art, while invention is a great way to learn that mistakes are simply lessons to be learnt from, rather than faults to be ashamed of. A makers environment is a safe space in which your child can let their imagination run wild, boost their creativity, and perhaps even find inspiration for a lifelong career.

Brilliant Problem-Solving

Creative children make for resourceful adults. All forms of making are great for boosting problem-solving skills, as children are encouraged to use their own inventiveness to think of solutions to problems they come across while making. This sets them up to be able to cope with any stumbling blocks they might experience in later life, as well as enhancing critical thinking and academic abilities.

Building Confidence

If you’ve ever felt the sense of self-satisfaction that comes with creating something, you’ll understand how confidence-boosting making can be for children. This can be especially useful for children with low academic confidence, finding a different route into academia for those who learn better visually or with their hands. Inventing, creating, and troubleshooting a project from start to finish will also enhance a child’s sense of independence, while workshopping with other children is great for future teamwork skills and social confidence.

Whether your kids love the idea of learning how to make cool algorithmic art or designing their very own arcade game, D-Lab will be offering a wide variety of maker workshops aimed at under-16s over the coming months. Check out our upcoming events and keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter for more workshop announcements coming soon.

D-Lab Studios, Clarence Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 3AS
Virtual Reality Taster Session 3pm
May 31, 2025 15:00
adults
free

Using computer technology to create a simulated environment - learn to design in 3D Virtual Reality

D-Lab Studios, Clarence Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 3AS
1-2-1 Mentoring Session with an Architect in Berkhamsted Hertfordshire
May 16, 2025 16:30
adults
£10

Design Clinic: Kickstart Your Portfolio!

D-Lab Studios, Clarence Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 3AS
Creative Space Open Day - Lego | VR | Free Sesssions
May 31, 2025 10:00
kids
Free

Come and visit this unique space in the heart of Berkhamsted - just off the High Street. Free workshops and tours. Drop in 10-5pm

D-Lab Studios, Clarence Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 3AS
Virtual Reality Taster Session 4pm
May 31, 2025 16:00
adults
free

Using computer technology to create a simulated environment - learn to design in 3D Virtual Reality

D-Lab HP4 3AS
Laser Cutting Inductions Wednesday | Friday | Saturday
May 17, 2025 11:00
adults
£30

Learn how to cut and engrave plywood and acrylic

D-Lab HP4 3AS
3D Printing Inductions Wednesday | Friday | Saturdays
May 17, 2025 12:00
adults
£30

Learn how to use either the Tiertime UP300 (filament), Tiertime Upmini (filament) or Formlab 2 (resin). The 3D printer is capable of printing 3D plastic objects that you design

D-Lab Studios, Clarence Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 3AS
Lego Architecture Fun Build 11am
May 31, 2025 11:00
kids
Free

Challenge yourself with a fun session of architectural lego building!

D-Lab Studios, Clarence Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 3AS
Lego Architecture Fun Build 1.30pm
May 31, 2025 13:30
kids
Free

Challenge yourself with a fun session of architectural lego building!