We need to see "the library as a place of creation and not just a place of consumption" -Carson Block, Demco webinar. I am challenging myself, my students and my community to understand the evolving role of libraries as just not a repository for books, but a place to create!
I am the librarian at a small public school which is nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.
My school has 150 students of many diverse and unique backgrounds. We are a Title 1 school with well over 65% of our students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Almost 15% of our students are homeless. Numerous families receive weekend food assistance in their child's backpack from our local food bank. Many of my students are reluctant readers and an academic success does not come easily or quickly. I strive to create a media center that is warm, safe and welcoming while maintaining a fun, creative learning atmosphere
My Project
With these materials my students will take the beginning steps to create a Makerspace area in our library media center. Makerspaces are where students can collaboratively and creatively extend their learning by doing or making. Perhaps students will recreate the setting in a book we just read aloud or use the Play-Doh to create an an alternate ending to a story. This malleable material will also help students with their fine motor skills. The sky is the limit! With shrinking school budgets, it is hard to cobble together supplies to fund a Makerspace. I know these materials will help get their creative juices flowing!
While my media center still performs the essential function of connecting kids with quality reading material, my students need the materials to create a 21st century Makerspace.
As an educator, it is motivating to see your students eager to collaborate and use critical thinking skills to make innovative, creative learning projects. Please help my students realize all students have artistic talents and academic abilities. Help us creatively shape our world!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Lunsford and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
