Maker Faire Pittsburgh - With Quaker Valley Students from Edgeworth Elementary

     

     

Some 10 years ago I did my student teaching at Quaker Valley High School.  I made friends at the district that I still have to this day.  I was fortunate enough to be asked to chaperone a group of students from Edgeworth Elementary for a day at the Maker Faire Pittsburgh, held at the Children's Museum.  

From robotics, to giant Bloxels, 3D printing, to fire breathing dragons, the day showcased so much to expose children to the world of "making".  Schools from across the greater Pittsburgh area brought students on field trips to showcase some 200 plus activities/displays both inside and outside of the museum.

Who Knew Dr. Seuss Had A Museum?

            

I had a day in between my classes at the Carle and the "Day of Inspiration".  I was looking for something to do and boy did I hit the jackpot!  Dr. Seuss was actually a Springfield, MA, native.   To that end, Springfield opened the very first Dr. Seuss Museum in the world, only a few months prior to my visit in October.  The museum featured original artwork from Dr. Seuss, along with displays in the "Seuss" style.  You could tell from his letters on display, that the man had an incredible sense of humor, along with imagination.  If you are thinking of visiting, my only caution is that this museum, while packed with tons of artwork and information, is incredibly small.  For that reason, only timed tickets are available because of the lack of space in the museum.

INSPIRATION DAY AT THE CARLE

             
My final day at the Eric Carle Museum was beyond inspiring.  The museum welcomed 9 authors/illustrators, talking about what inspired them to become artists.  There were two different panel sessions throughout the day, with time for Q&A, along with book signings.  I was able to see each artists and talk about my love of their work, along with my librarian request!!!!  I feel there is such a lack of beginning picture books in children's literature, and I was sending my plea for their consideration of future work.  

These are my rock stars.....my football players....my singers/actors.  These people contribute to the education and entertainment of our children that has a profound and lasting effect on their childhood.  They make a different in our world.  Most of the authors/illustrators asked me many questions about my work at school, children today and my thoughts on children's literature and their work.  It was a magical day that I will truly never forget!

More on the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art!

      

The first day at the museum, I took 2 classes; "The Whole Book Approach" and  "Visual Thinking Strategies".  These classes were very hands on and we were able to walk through the museum viewing original artwork from some of my favorite authors & illustrators....it was beyond captivating!  One of the exhibits featured Caldecott winning authors/illustrators work, along with captions discussing the inspiration for their artwork.  It was shocking to see the comparisons/contrasts between these artists.  I took so many pictures and was in awe of the gift these men and women have with their artistic abilities.  

Another separate exhibit was from David Wiesner.  He is one of my favorite illustrators who "writes" many wordless picture books.  My students love when I "read" these stories to them and discuss the Caldecott Award.  

THE ERIC CARLE MUSEUM OF PICTURE BOOK ART....YESSSSS!!!!

        

When I tell you I was like a child at Disney World for the first time, I couldn't be more serious!  This is the only museum dedicated to children's picture book illustrations in our country.  The story of this museum is so interesting.

In the 1980s, Eric Carle and his wife visited picture book museums in Japan and became inspired with the idea of opening such a museum here in the U.S.  For most of us, our first introduction to art comes in the form of picture books when we are very young.  Eric Carle and his wife wanted to create that same experience for others....a first introduction to the world of art!

The 40,000 square foot building is very unassuming from the outside, but inside you will find three galleries, an auditorium, an art studio, a main hall and also museum shop where you will find many author & illustrator signed children's books as well as signed original art.  The museum opened in 2002 and has welcomed numerous authors, illustrators and visitors from around the world. As a Librarian, we are taught to organize fiction books by author's last name.  At the Eric Carle Museum, they have a small library where they hold storytime for local children, highlighting new picture books and artwork.  The best part of its organization?  All picture books are organized by the illustrator's last name, instead of the author, to recognize their contribution to children's literature!

GOOGLE CERTIFIED EDUCATOR....WOHOOOOO!!!

One of my sabbatical goals was to become a Google Certified Educator.  There are currently 2 levels and I am happy to say I passed the 3 hour (yes, 3 hour) test for Level 1!  I began by going through the online modules Google provides, which can be found here.  I took all the practice tests sometimes more than once to prepare for the test.  I also took a 2 day prep course from our Intermediate Unit, which really prepared me for the 3 hour exam.  

Did I think I knew a fair bit about Google?  Absolutely.  Do I think I would have passed without putting the time in to study and take the prep course....likely not.  Although I can't share with you anything specific about the test, I suggest you put the time in to review the modules, and know how to use your Google products.    Just know that to date, if you don't pass the test the first time, you will have 2 more chances to pass.  You must get an 80% on the exam to pass and pay (mine was $10) each time, so make sure you study and go to the bathroom before taking the test!

"Hoopla"....now available FREE at your local library!

What in the world is "Hoopla"?  Only one of the neatest (if that is really a word) benefits to your local public library!  I have been wanting to try this for some time.  I recently got a new phone....the Google Pixel XL2 and I love it!  However, unlike Apple phones, it takes just a little bit of time to transfer your music to your Android phone.  I do have to admit, even though I am not an Apple person, iPhones are so much easier to incorporate music....Android phones are not impossible but you need a little more patience to get your music onto your phone.  While I was trying to figure out the music, I thought it was a great time to research about the free option available through my public library known as "Hoopla".  Downloading was so easy and they offer a ton of movies, music & audiobooks.  At my library I can borrow up to 10 items per month.  It was super easy to learn and use.  I encourage you to find out more about "Hoopla" through your public library website, along with the many other free databases and resources available for FREE from your public library!