Maker Literacy: A New Approach to Literacy Programming for Libraries - Softcover

Pawloski, Lynn; Wall, Cindy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1440843805 ISBN 13: 9781440843808

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2016

Synopsis

This book takes the creativity and inventiveness of the maker movement and applies that energy in a new way to help children learn across all subject areas as well as broaden their world view.

Traditional library literacy programs have helped many children foster a love of reading, but to prepare this next generation of learners, this programming needs to be modified to include technology. The inherent creativity and inventiveness of the Maker Movement, embracing both classic and innovative technological activities, provides the perfect bridge to invigorate, expand, and update these programs. This alternative to conventional library literacy programming will help children learn throughout all subject areas, see additional possibilities, and make connections in the world around them.

With this guide, readers can discover how to apply maker literacy to introduce connections that help children better understand that their experiences in life are interrelated―that art can be made on a 3D printer and that science and technology are an essential part of design. This holistic approach provides a myriad of creative opportunities for both teaching staff and the children they serve. A great resource for youth services librarians in public libraries, this guide to infusing library programs with technology and maker activities to motivate learning will also appeal to preschool and elementary librarians, educators, and parents.

About this title

About the Author

Lynn Pawloski is coauthor of The Maker Cookbook: Recipes for Children's and 'Tween Library Programs, has been contributor to Public Libraries magazine, and has spoken at numerous library and education conferences.

Cindy Wall has been head of children's services at the Southington Library since 2001.

Reviews

Though the maker movement is often seen as "the creation of concrete things," it "also applies to ideas, feelings, and thoughts," assert Wall and Powlski, who here offer a range of activities aimed at preschoolers and elementary and middle school students. While the concept of learning by doing isn't new, what sets this title apart is the introduction of technology such as iPads or other tablets. The authors suggest pairing Sandra Boynton's popular book and app Barnyard Dance with a craft activity that involves making a musical instrument. A Titanic-themed unit incorporates Lauren Tarshis's I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912, YouTube videos, and an experiment that lets students create an iceberg. Another example pulls together Mac Barnett's Extra Yarn, the app Paint for Cats, and an activity (using wet felt to make wool ball toys for cats). Several projects rely on a 3-D printer. The chapters tackle a variety of programming ideas, such as storytimes, family programs, science and design, computer coding, and booktalking. Each chapter includes a description of one or two apps or videos and a list of craft items required for the theme. The app descriptions also appear in the appendix, but there is no indication of price, and reviews of the apps are featured but are not always clear. A helpful glossary defines technological terms. VERDICT Recommended for large libraries with technology budgets.—Jackie Gropman, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, VA

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1440843805
• ISBN 13: 9781440843808
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128