Book Character Pumpkin Entries (School #1)

Well,  we had a lot of interest in this contest from our primary grades.  Armed with glue and paint and construction paper...and whatever else they brought from home, students attacked the mini pumpkins with gusto!  So much gusto that several had to go to the big Pumpkin-Patch-in-the-Sky due to fruit flies and rapid decay.  The idea was to paint the pumpkins as a book character and pose them with the matching book.  This didn't quite work out as intended.  The term 'character' brought forth  animated movie personalities and artistic interpretations of book themes.  I have 2 different schools working on this project.

Here are the results from school number one (minus those that didn't survive the wait for my next visit)  The No! David! was made by our Teacher Librarian as an example.

 

Pumpkin Book Characters

• I love this project!  Host a contest between the classes or even for the whole school.  Partner with the art teacher or classroom teacher.
• The theme for the pumpkin contest is “My Favorite Book Character.”  Paint and decorate a pumpkin to look like a book character.  We are using acrylic paints, permanent markers and miscellaneous supplies such as  yarn, construction paper, pipe cleaners, cloth, wigs, old clothes and whatever else you can come up with.
• We are not allowing carving so that they will last longer on display before turning bad.  Another hint is to not use watercolor paint as it tends to run and not cover very well. 
• We were able to pick up small pumpkins for $0.99 at the local grocery store.  You could also use other squash and gourds for different shapes.  

I will post pictures once our entries have been received.  Below are some of the example I found on Pinterest.com

Makerspaces in your Elementary Library

So, just what is a makerspace?
It is a physical space for participants gather, socialize, use resources and share ideas while working on projects. The space can be a dedicated location or temporary use of a space. 

How does it work?
There are a variety of setups that can work depending on your goals. Projects can be one-time events or on-going over long periods of time. They may be organized in classes or be unscheduled and self-directed. Individuals and groups may participate depending on the project and organization of the host. Usually tools and supplies are available to use - a cost may be charged to cover consumable materials. Specific skills are sometimes taught while other times experimentation and imagination are the key skills required.

 In Makerspaces, the students define the learning.  They chose the projects, make the plans and do the work, discover fixes and navigate problem solving. 

Why a makerspace? How does that belong in a school??? Well, makerspaces are simply projects that introduce them to the principles of design thinking. They make use of math, hand eye coordination, creativity, critical thinking, physics, problem-solving, engineering..and so much more. They allow participants to learn while taking control of their own learning. Projects can be complex -using computers and tools or as simple as using duct tape and Lego.  The possibilities are limited only by imagination and in the more advanced projects, budget. Make no mistake though, there are a plethora of options for tight budgets.

We've had them for years in one form or another: arts and crafts activities, woodshop and art classes, science experiments.  In many schools these formal classes have been downsized or eliminated but the value is still there as is the student interest.  

While the media has featured makerspaces that are well funded with 3D printers and fully stocked and dedicated rooms, any library can offer a makerspace.  Small ready made kits can be purchased.  Donations of materials from the community and sponsorship from local businesses can also help to build makerspaces.

Failure IS an option!

 Makerspaces are unique in that they focus on the process of learning and doing over the final project.  The learning is experiential and the focus and joy is in the doing.  Not knowing how to use a tool, a plan that doesn't work out, parts that fall off...these are opportunities for learning.  That is what makerspaces are all about.  The point is for the participants to explore and experiment in their projects.  Don't do it for them, if something isn't working out, it is up TO THEM to find a way to make it work or decide on another method. Again, this is about the action of making and not about the product you end up with.

What type of projects could schools on a budget have in their makerspaces?

The ALA offers ideas for a variety of ages and budgets through their searchable website: makeitatyourlibrary.org, It is a fantastic site! If you are interested in hosting your own makerspace, you have to check it out.  Here are some sample projects for the under $5 per person range.

Connect projects with your library program and include Dewey Decimal games, robotic story reenactments, make bookmarks or shelfmarkers ... whatever you and your students can imagine.

Other resources:

Makezine.com: a platform for connecting makers to other makers, products and services. A great way to explore the possibilities of makerspaces.

Maker Faire: is "an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned" There are Maker Faires all around the world. View this listing of Faires or to find out how to start our own in your area.

Instructables.com: A place for makers to explore, document and share their creations. Visit this site to inspire and be inspired.

Pinterest also has some amazing ideas for setting up supplies as well as many budget friendly makerspace projects. 

Whether you are investing in a high tech room or setting up a cart for your own makerspace, it is a fun way to mix knowledge and learning with creativity and innovation. Did I mention that it's fun? 
That means students will want to participate!

One by Kathryn Otoshi

Blue is a quiet color. Red’s a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, things get out of hand — until One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, and count. As budding young readers learn about numbers, counting, and primary and secondary colors, they also learn about accepting each other's differences and how it sometimes just takes one voice to make everyone count.

I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations are deceptively simple for such a complex issues as bullying, self-confidence and making right choices. I especially liked the consistent use of the colour in the text. It allows for additional conversations with the kids reading it, enabling them to evaluate what is happening, make predictions and become involved in the story rather than just reading it.
A beautiful book, the illustrations of the number one demonstrate how standing up and speaking up can make you feel tall and strong. The physicality of the colours express how each is feeling much better than words can, making the emotions of the story more accessible for the class. It also allows for great follow-up activities where students can draw their own pictures to show how they feel now or in various situations. "One" provides a common visual language to discuss emotions and a manner in which to share those feelings with classmates.

Here is a book trailer for the book:

Book trailer for One:

Book Sculptures

Book artist Jodi Harvey-Brown offers new life to some great books.  Using the very pages of these books to bring a feeling of living words to the stories.  Check out some examples from her Etsy.com  store under the name WetCanvasArt.

Rhett and Scarlett come to life! "Gone with the Wind" is one of our best loved books, and the story pops out of the pages with this sculpture. Rhett holds Scarlett close in front of the iconic tree while Scarlett's beloved Tara waits for her return in the background. The sculpture is detailed with tall grasses behind the tree, wildflowers under Scarlett's feet and a horse and carriage outside of Tara.

No more room on your shelf? How about your walls?

Spineless Classics offers favorite books...on your wall.

Available as a poster, you can have the whole book laid out before you - right from the very first words to...The End.