Pinterest, an online media platform where users can save and sort through content through pinboards, has been a hobby of Science department teacher Thomasina Miranda for two years. She integrated this form of a creative outlet into the classroom setting by beginning the Pinterest Hack club. “We are going to do a lot of DIY projects from Pinterest. Also, we wanted to attempt a couple of the hacks from Pinterest,” Miranda said.
By KARLA DOUGAN – Broadcast Editor
Science department teacher Thomasina Miranda is offering a Glad Time Pinterest Hack Club where students will explore their artistic and creative abilities.
Science department teacher Thomasina Miranda offers students a new Glad Time: the Pinterest Hack Club.
“We are going to do a lot of DIY projects from Pinterest,” Miranda said. “Unfortunately with the Glad Times, I’ve noticed a lot of people, they tend to do kind of boring stuff. I understand having remediation, but not all of the students need remediation, so I tried to make something fun.”
Pinterest is an online bookmarking tool and media platform where users can discover and save ideas through collections known as pinboards. Two years ago, Miranda became interested in Pinterest as it is a popular source for craft inspiration including “do it yourself” projects (DIY) and art projects, among other things.
“I was really interested (in) decorating and stuff like that so I heard about Pinterest, got on it, and was amazed at how many things you pay people for (that) you can actually do yourself,” Miranda said. “I love doing arts and crafts. I love doing DIYs and learning new things, so I think it’s just a cool experience.”
Originally, Miranda only anticipated having 15 students in her class as more than that would be difficult to afford.
“To do this stuff you have to buy products. Whatever it is you want to do you have to actually get your hands on the equipment. So, honestly, I’m going to have to come out of pocket from myself for this,” Miranda said. “I think honestly about 70 people, maybe more, signed up for (the club). That was a huge problem. I can’t afford 70 people. They can’t fit in here.”
After talking with Glad Time coordinator Ryan Johnson, Miranda brought the number of students in the class down to 26. Sophomore Mara Woods is one of those 26 students and expects to learn how to save money and be more creative through this club.
“I wanted to create something new that I can like make on my own (that) I don’t have to spend a lot of money on,” Woods said.
Miranda says she is excited about the future of the Pinterest Hack club.
“There are some kids (in the class) who are actually really excited. In our first meeting, they threw at me all these ideas and stuff they wanted to do,” Miranda said. “I think (the club) will be a creative outlet. I also hope that they will actually learn some things they can use in real life.”