Makerspaces in the Early Years: A Literature Review

The aim of this review of the literature is to identify what we already know about the engagement of children aged under eight in makerspaces. Given the limited literature in the area, the review takes a broader look at makerspaces for older children where relevant. This is not a systematic review; its aim is not to offer an exhaustive account of all of the research conducted in the area. Rather, this narrative review provides an introduction to key aspects of research on makerspaces and enables the identification of themes dominant in the field, and those areas where more research is needed in order to extend knowledge of the value of makerspaces for early childhood. Each section is written by different members of the MakEY research team. The sections relate to the three areas identified by Peppler, Halverson and Kafai (2016) as characteristic of much of the work in the field – makerspaces, making and makers – but themes and issues that cross-cut each of these areas are also addressed.