What happens when early learners and middle school learners come together in a workshop filled with tools, creativity, and curiosity? At TISA, it sparked a dynamic collaboration between the Design Department and the Early Learning Centre (ELC) to reimagine a shared space for learning and mentorship.

In an exciting partnership between the Design Department and the ELC team at TISA, we worked together to revamp the workshop for early years students. The goal of this collaboration was to recreate an engaging and safe learning environment that would help students develop practical skills while encouraging teaching and learning opportunities in the workshop between younger and older students.

Since our ELC workshop was out of action for a while, the reopening project began with revamping the workshop space. The ELC team rearranged workshop materials to improve accessibility and safety, with designated stations for tools like saws, sandpaper, hammers, hand drills, and screwdrivers. This rethinking of the setup made it easier for preschoolers and their teachers to navigate the workshop and learn essential safety rules in the workshop for future activities.

A key part of this initiative involved Grade 7 students, who took on the role of teaching preschoolers how to use the tools safely. The older students provided leadership and guidance through interactive station sessions, helping the younger students understand safety and proper techniques while working in the workshop. The enthusiasm from both student groups was evident, as Grade 7 students enjoyed their mentoring roles while preschoolers eagerly absorbed the joy of hands-on activities with tools. The integration of older students in teaching roles boosted their confidence and reinforced the value of peer learning and leadership.

The interactions during these workshops were very positive. Preschoolers not only learned how to handle tools safely but also began to develop important skills through hands-on activities, like:

• Hand-eye coordination: that improves precise movements.
• Fine motor skills: that strengthen small and precise finger and hand movements.
• Problem-solving: that encourages thinking.
• Safety Awareness: that teaches caution and responsibility.
• Confidence: that boosts self-esteem with the successful use of tools.
• Focus and concentration: that improves attention during tasks.
• Teamwork and communication: that promotes collaboration with peers.
• Creativity: that allows expression through exploration of materials.

As we move forward, we are excited about the future use of the workshop. By promoting safety, creativity, and mentorship, we are setting preschoolers up for success. They will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences while developing essential practical skills. This partnership reflects TISA’s commitment to real-life educational practices and the overall growth of all our students.

As the 2025-2026 is about to kick off we can’t wait to continue this collaboration!