by Sarah Benton Feitlinger, DOGONews, December 18, 2017
https://www.dogonews.com/2017/12/18/little-inventors-brings-childrens-imaginative-ideas-to-life
https://www.littleinventors.org/
Kids, whose vivid imaginations know few boundaries, frequently come up with invention ideas that range from life-changing to downright wacky. However, few see them come to life mainly because adults are not convinced of their practicality. That is about to change thanks to Little Inventors, an innovative project that connects aspiring inventors to manufacturers and artists who can help bring even the most impossible sounding contraption to life.
The convenient umbrella
Chen, Age 9
Beijing, China
Little Inventors creates free resources for organisations, teachers and parents to encourage children to think up and draw great invention ideas. They work with partners to run challenges, events and workshops. Finally, they challenge skilled experts and makers to work with children to turn their ideas into reality, from the practical to the fantastical, no limits. Little Inventors showcases children’s inventions online and in books and exhibitions to inspire tomorrow’s inventors, scientists, makers and problem-solvers to believe in their ability to make a difference.
Little Inventors wants children to open their eyes to the world of invention and creativity. But beyond the invention drawings, there is a unique opportunity for children and makers, designers and artists to come together and collaborate to bring children’s imagination to life. By taking children’s ideas seriously and presenting them in a professional manner through collaboration with skilled makers, Little Inventors showcases children’s original ideas, perspectives and voices; they challenge the skills and experience of adult makers, and encourage them to push beyond their own limits by engaging with the highly imaginative and unhindered minds of young children.
Little Inventors’ business model pulls together a system of educational resources, workshops, community relations (to build the ideas), and a platform for showcasing ideas. This business incorporates intergenerational appreciation; adults can take inspiration from the wacky minds of children. This is relevant to my project in the way I am working to build community between the older adults and children.
