Tinkering for Tots

Little learners get hands-on, minds-on at Tinkering for Tots: A program designed for curious preschoolers to develop an innovative mindset and make connections through storytelling, play, artifact exploration and a take-home STEAM activity kit.

Tinkering for Tots explorations and activities are based on The Henry Ford’s innovation learning framework, Model i. Your little learner will build an innovative mindset by exploring new ideas, overcoming challenges and working with others.

Tinkering for Tots activities combine a number of national standards for preschool curriculum as defined by the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning, and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.

All learning resources are available in English, Spanish and Arabic.

October 8, 2024

Habit: What are we learning?

• Stay Curious

Story: What are we reading?

• The Girl With Big, Big Questions by Britney Winn Lee

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

• The Warrior

November 12, 2024

Habit: What are we learning?

• Collaborate

Story: What are we reading?

• Melia and Jo by Billy Aronson

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

• Eames Chair

December 10, 2024

Habit: What are we learning?

• Be Empathetic

Story: What are we reading?

• Let's Celebrate! by Kate DePalma

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

• Light and Joy in the Holiday Season Pop-Up

January 14, 2025

Habit: What are we learning?

• Learn from Failure

Story: What are we reading?

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

• Dymaxion House

February 11, 2025

Habit: What are we learning?

• Challenge the Rules

Story: What are we reading?

• My Voice Is a Trumpet by Jimmie Allen

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

• Martin Luther King Jr. Pop-Up

March 11, 2025

Habit: What are we learning?

• Take Risks

Story: What are we reading?

• What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

• Wright Flyer Replica

April 8, 2025

Habit: What are we learning?

• Be Empathetic

Story: What are we reading?

• When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

• Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

May 13, 2025

Habit: What are we learning?

• Stay Curious

Story: What are we reading?

• Miguel's Community Garden by JaNay Brown-Wood

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

• George Washington Carver's Microscope