What art supplies can learners find at home? If they have colored paper, recycled materials, and music, they could make something wonderful! Below is a list of picture books that will inspire learners to get crafty and create. Some titles include links to authors reading their books.
Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me
Susan L. Roth illustrated her book Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me with colored paper and interesting objects. In the story, she compares herself to bowerbirds. She explains that they both like to collect different items to make something purposeful. Bowerbirds build nests with found objects, while Roth creates beautiful art. After reading the story, encourage learners to gather paper, scissors, glue, and other crafting objects they have at home. They can follow Roth’s example to make a collage of their favorite animals. Click here for another lesson idea that meets the AASL Standards Framework for Learners.
How Do You Dance?
Did you know you can get crafty with dancing? It’s true! Just put on some music and try some new moves. How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder is so much fun. I smile every time I read it. Heder did an amazing job capturing people dancing with watercolor and pencil. A double-page spread shows different moves that readers can try at home. Some of them are really silly. Readers might want to invent a new move and share with the class. Click here to watch Heder read her book. Check out Library Lessons for an idea that supports the AASL Standards Framework for Learners.
A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa
We are getting pretty scrappy these days, making do with what we have. Artist Ruth Asawa was trained in college to use available materials in different ways. This might be why she used wire to create gorgeous floating sculptures. Author/illustrator Andrea D’Aquino gives readers an overview of Asawa’s affinity for art in A Life Made by Hand. You can find a video of D’Aquino reading the book on Instagram. Find a lesson plan idea based on the AASL Standards Framework for Learners by clicking here.
What Is Given from the Heart
In What Is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack and April Harrison, a young boy and his mother barely have enough money to scrape by. When they hear of another family in need, they get crafty and make thoughtful gifts for the homeless family. Ask readers to think of a friend or family member who might need some cheer. Consider things to make at home to give as gifts. For a lesson idea based on the AASL Standards Framework for Learners, check out my blog post on Library Lessons.
For more ideas to incorporate art into your library lessons, check out “Library Centers: Explore the Arts With Picture Books” on Knowledge Quest.
Author: Maureen Schlosser
Author: Lessons Inspired by Picture Books for Primary Grades and Social and Emotional Learning for Picture Book Readers published by ALA Editions
Blogger: https://LibraryLessonsWithBooks.com
Skillshare Teacher: https://skl.sh/3a852D5
Categories: Blog Topics, Collection Development, Makerspaces/Learning Commons
Leave a Reply