Recently, my friend Mollie lent me this book. I read it from cover to cover in just a few days. I talked about it with anyone who would listen. The author, Amanda Blake Soule writes a blog www.soulemama.com and shares several of her ideas in this book. She is a mom of 3, but I don’t think you need to have kids to read this book. I plan to use several of her ideas in my classroom too. Throughout the book she shares not only thoughtful crafts, but also ways to help young children (and adults too!) experience the creative process.
I knew the book was off to a good start when Soule began by sharing that, growing up she wasn’t considered ‘a creative child’ or ‘good at art.’ Instead, she gives several ideas for everyone, not just naturally gifted artists. Because, let’s face it, children are all born with creativity. It’s our job as adults to foster that creative process.
Around our house it’s not rare to find a squashed wild flower on a shelf, rocks in our shoes or sticks poking out of pockets and lying under couch cushions. JJ (who is 3 1/2) loves to find nature’s treasures and use them as play things. But, with Soule’s urging, I took this one step further. I provided JJ with high-quality paper (thanks Jessica!) and paints. He made a gorgeous rendition of a flower we found. Soule suggests using nature’s gifts not only as play things inside but also as inspiration for creating.
Some of her ideas involve major change. One I have been thinking about is the toys JJ plays with, and that my students play with at school. She suggests using as many toys as possible that are made from natural fibers, such as: cotton, wood, clay, rock, instead of the rainbow of plastics that grace the shelves at most stores. We already tend toward ‘non toys’ as toys. For example, one of JJ’s favorite things to play with is an empty wrapping paper tube. He uses it as a telescope, a tube slide and a bat. Now, I am thinking about how to organize and rethink some of the ’stuff’ we have now. (More on that soon because his birthday is coming up!
Please read Soule’s book even if you don’t interact with children often. You’ll be surprised to see the childlike creative streak that is within you!
I grabbed this book off of our library’s ‘theme of the month’ display. This isn’t a ‘how to’ craft book, but has several full size photographs of environmentally savvy artist’s creations.