Makerspace: Blackout Poetry
There are several definitions that describe what a makerspace is and the impacts that they have within school libraries. Makerspaces have been described as unique learning environments where students can gather, create, invent, and tinker; a place where students can use new and different tools; collisions of art, technology, learning and collaboration (Makerspace.org, 2022). There are so many advantages to makerspaces because they are so versatile and have many different layers. Makerspaces can have a myriad of focuses and can incorporate many different things at one time. One of the best aspects of makerspaces is that they can have either a high or low technological aspect and still be effective. For instance, many spaces integrate the use of technology such as coding, circuits, 3D printing, and sewing machines, but other spaces can use building blocks, puzzles, various crafts, and other hands on non-technological items to create. Many spaces also use both. I think that both aspects are equally important because each student is different.
One makerspace that I think is very interesting and unique is a Blackout Poetry makerspace. Tiffany Whitehead's blog, Mighty Little Librarian, talks about the use of blackout poetry in her middle school library's makerspace. This is also a great way for the librarian to collaborate with teachers based on what students are learning in the classroom at the time. Makerspaces can change depending on curriculum needs, or this could be something that is a permanent addition to the library's makerspace. Tiffany talks about how she used weeded books as supplies for the makerspace, which is a great idea to combat the question of, "What do I do with these weeded books?". The supplies are very simple: a few weeded books, some black markers, and pens are all that is needed for students to let their imaginations go wild. Kristin Fontichiaro (2019) explains it best when she states that "when funds are limited, a box of recycled materials are the best medium" (p. 53). There are also many other things that can be done with recycled materials in school library makerspaces.
Some other ideas using recycled materials can be found at Makerspace for Education.
Click here to explore 16 other articles and blogs that contain valuable resources about makerspaces: A Librarian's Guide to Makerspaces: 16 Resources | OEDB.org
Sean Glatch goes over some other techniques for using recycled books, magazines, and newspapers to teach and write blackout poetry in his blog here: What is Blackout Poetry? Examples and Inspiration | Writers.com
Works Cited:
Whitehead, T. (2015). Blackout poetry. Mighty Little Librarian. Makerspace – Mighty Little Librarian
Fontichiaro, K. (2019). What I've learned from 7 years of the maker movement in schools and libraries. Teacher Librarian, 46(4). 51-53.
Makerspace.org. (2022). What is a makerspace?. What is a Makerspace? Is it a Hackerspace or a Makerspace? (makerspaces.com)
l love the idea of blackout poetry. This would be a great group project where someone could start the blackout process, and others could finish it along the way. Collaboration across the school, with a beautiful new piece of art that everyone can take ownership of. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have done blackout poetry before and love the idea of this being in a makerspace. Thanks for sharing this blog and all of the resources you included. What a great way to recycle and create.
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