Anál nathrach, orth’ bháis’s bethad, do chél dénmha.
Merlin
Magic may not be real but I enjoy the stories of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin. I am fascinated by the characters of Merlin, Gandalf, and Dumbledore. Their characters have great wisdom; they seem to possess knowledge that is beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. They are also child-like, and find wonder and beauty in simple things. | |
Reading about something isn’t enough. Hearing about some things isn’t enough. Watching someone else do something fun isn’t enough. I want to do it myself – and so do my students. Merlin’s incantation may not really be magic, but there is real magic in making.
Using some grant money, I have been able to begin a small makerspace in my classroom. We meet one evening every week. Today (a Saturday) some students came in to assemble a workbench. Every time we meet I reach a point that I have to literally run students off – they want to stay and keep working. I had a young man choose to come to my class on Friday and work instead of watch a movie with a substitute in another class.
The word charm can be used as a verb. It means to delight or please greatly. Allow students to build something. Watch their delight and pleasure. Create a makerspace. Share your knowledge. Share your wisdom. Share your sense of wonder in simple things. Be a wizard. Discover the charm of making.
Watch something…magical…happen.