As the former librarian at an elementary STEAM campus, I was always looking for useful read-aloud books to highlight books that illustrate creativity productivity. Whether it's the idea generation or research stage, building and refining prototypes, collaborating and exchanging feedback, or persisting in the face of struggles, there are a lot of skills involved with STEAM education and makerspaces. Here are a few titles that might be useful for classrooms, campuses, and families who want to explore maker concepts. Boxitects by Kim Smith Everyone who's ever known the joy of a group project can connect to this story, especially if you're a big ideas person who likes to be in charge. When you already have a vision about what something will look like, it can be hard to acknowledge other good ideas, much less incorporate them into your own work. This story respects and names this reality so that when team conflicts arise, participants can refer back to the story discussion for solutions and strategies. Pine and Boof Blast Off by Ross Burach A celebration of imagination and making that is sure to appeal to young students - and more than a few older ones, too. If you like Pine and Boof, there are more books in this series. And if you teach K-4 kids and haven't done any read-alouds by Ross Burach, run to your nearest library for guaranteed laughs. Be a Maker by Katey Howes The whole book is an invitation to engage in the creative process. It might be particularly helpful to read before brainstorming possible projects or building ideas. Made by Maxine by Ruth Spiro Maxine is shown trying invent something that will allow her pet goldfish to participate in the pet parade. Her persistence and clever re-purposing of recycled objects offer plenty of inspiration for additional projects.
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Today, a colleague I don't know very well yet complimented me by saying, "I know you have a lot going on, but you always have a smile on your face." I appreciated that interaction, and I answered by saying, "Well, there are really only two options, right?" Still, I have not always been able to keep the smile going. I'm not talking about times when it's valuable to feel other things, but about maintaining a general sense of positivity. It can be difficult to keep a forward-looking, hopeful mentality if the people around me are stressed out or negative; I find I absorb those feelings like a sponge. That energy is so defeating, and it can be hard to climb out of that hole. I am extremely fortunate to work in a space with three unusually positive people. Two are consistently nurturing, calm, and open-minded, and the third is unfailingly patient and funny, no matter how many needs or tasks present themselves throughout the day. I have more energy because I am around these people, and I realize I am mirroring their positive demeanor. I hope to be the kind of person who brings that same sense of encouragement to others, no matter what is going on around me. "Lighthouses don't go running all over an island looking for boats to save. They just stand there, shining." - Anne Lamott |
Jamie Wright
I've had the privilege of working with hundreds of students and families in IA, CT, NC, MO, TX, and Canada. I love being a teacher-librarian! Categories
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