What are Klutz Build-a-Book books?
These books are not like regular ink-on-paper books; they are
different. Klutz Build-a-Book books are built -- not just written or
illustrated. They may start life as blank, wire-o bound books, but
they end up as multi-dimensional "wonder projects" whose pages are
enriched with all sorts of (glue stickable) things. No student -- no
matter what her or his reading or interest -- is intimidated by a
blank page when holding a glue stick and arts and crafts materials.
What can these books be about?
Anything that fits between a student's ears can fit between the
covers of a Build-a-Book book. The range is limitless.
What's the right size for an event?
The bigger the better. Group energy is your friend. The biggest
we've seen is 300 and the creative buzz was mind-boggling. Schools
with facility restraints have used adjoining classrooms or used a
drop-in approach. They've opened up a couple of classrooms 10AM-3PM
on a Saturday to accommodate folks with busy schedules and, at the
same time, have managed to address limited-space issues.
How long should an event be?
We suggest at least 1 1/2 - 2 hours to complete a Little Book
(perfect event size). Folks get absorbed in creating, so it can
easily go longer. You decide.
How does Klutz help you promote your event?
FREE -- You can download a PDF of the invitation to reproduce and
send home with your school newsletter.
Or
NOT EXACTLY FREE -- For a minimal cost of $15.00, we can send you a
complete Klutz Build-a-Book Event Kit that includes a Chairperson's
Handbook, a weather-proof banner, a wall poster, a front office
display (includes a placemat, completed sample book, Build-a-Book
Little Kit with handy easel, and a reproducible invitation), and a
DVD to show all the folks in your community. The kids will love it
and the organizers will welcome it!
What stuff needs to be in the room for the event?
Most importantly, paper-covered tables, then chairs, markers,
crayons, or colored pencils and scissors for everyone. The Build-a-
Book kits have all the other essentials. Spread a few wastebaskets
around the room for quick clean-up.
What is a sharing table and is it necessary?
What is it? It's simply a table or two with lots of recycled
materials for folks to visit and select from for additional
inspiration. Scrap fabric, ribbon, yarn, gift-wrap, aluminum foil and
sandpaper make for interesting choices. Some schools have attached an
assortment of fancy-edge scissors and paper punches to the tables
with yarn leashes. It's an easy way to share limited supplies and get
folks up talking and sharing.
Is it necessary? No, you can have a perfectly fun event without a
sharing table. There are plenty of ingredients in the kit to build a
wowie-zowie book!
How big is the chairperson's time commitment?
We estimate about 6 hours. Tasks can easily be divided among a couple
of folks but the total effort shouldn't exceed 6 hours.
Is there a target age for this experience?
Every age is the target age. Strongest parent involvement tends to
come at the primary grades (a nationwide school reality), but we've
never seen an age that wasn't drawn into the book-building process.
Kindergarten to senior citizens.
