I kept seeing notices on Facebook about the Fall Creek Public Library Art Cart, making special appearances at the library this summer. I had to get the whole scoop from Jenna, the youth services librarian, and here it is. Thanks Jenna!
The Art Cart is only available when I am in the Library and I tell
every child who comes in about and make sure they know the rules 1. Use
whatever you want in the cart. 2. Be creative. 3. Have fun. 4. Clean up after
yourself. These rules are taped on the top and sides of The Art Cart, as well
as being posted on our bulletin board advertising The Art Cart.
I have not had any major messes and the kids really seem to
enjoy it. Often they just goof around and make random "stuff" out of
the "stuff" provided. Sometimes it gets thrown away, sometimes the
kids take it home. I hear lots of great cooperative and positive conversations
as the kids use it.
I have the "basics" available at all times: paper
scraps of various sizes and colors and textures, a glue bottle, glue sticks, scissors, a roll of tape, something to color/write with, rulers, and stencils
each in their own little containers inside the cart. Almost always these items
return to the right containers. Every two weeks I switch out the
"extras" which have included yarn, large pieces of paper, felt,
string, stapler, egg cartons, paint brushes (no paint, which confuses some and
excites others), stampers, squirt bottles, discarded holiday cards and wrapping
paper, bubble wrap, paper towel rolls, pipe cleaners, feathers, pom poms, books
we have taken out of the system due to rips or coloring in them, packaging
tape, duct tape....
The Art Cart hangs out in the back on our linoleum floor
(near our children's and juvenile DVDs that EVERYONE goes to)--there are a couple of small tables nearby. I
have noticed that it is bringing adults and children together more in the
Children's Area. We have had a few "problem parents" that spend all
their time on the computer while their children tear up the children's area and
run around. These parents are spending more time back there, creating with their
children and/or supervising. (I think the idea of scissors and glues scares a
few parents into supervision - hahaha) I have also noticed a few families that
rarely came in when I am here have started coming more often on days that I am
here, just to use The Art Cart, which has slowly led to more and closer
relationships with these families. They see me more often and are more
comfortable asking for help, or giving suggestions, or just talking. The Art
Cart has also been nice in keeping adult laptop users away from the children's
area... you know the ones... they set themselves up the Children's Area and
then complain about the noise. Yeah, now they regulate themselves to the
"adult area." Don't get me wrong: I'm all about adults exploring the
children's area, but only if they respect the rules of childhood: sometimes
life gets loud, messy, and disorganized ;)
It is a super simple thing, this Art Cart, but boy has it
been wonderful!
Labels: art, creativity, parents, stealth programming, steam
