In the studio: Advanced inventory
Most of the items on the basic inventory list are familiar enough that your children (or students) won't get overly excited and start burning through your supplies.
If you create a special place in your home or classroom just for making art, you may find them so charmed by the idea that they are intensely interested in these old, familiar objects.
If you already have an art area or studio, you may find that simply rearranging the materials and presenting them thoughtfully (and beautifully) re-energizes their art-making.
(Have you ever tried to clean out your child's room, with the goal of getting rid of some old toys that are no longer played with, only to find that simply by pulling them out and dusting them off, you've made them intensely interesting again?)
As you build your studio, you can take your children's art making to the next level. Remember, the more variety in materials, the better their representations will be. Their choices are limited by what you have available. Everything you do to enhance their choices increases their learning opportunities.
Advanced Inventory:
• oil pastels (brighter, more intense colors than crayons, blendable)
• charcoal
• specialty papers (tracing paper, watercolor paper, etc.)
• hole punch
• Scotch tape (warning: the average four-year-old uses 10,000 miles of Scotch tape per year, if allowed)
• stapler (swim at your own risk)
• acrylic paints (for painting structures) (beware: not washable)
• beads, plastic lacing
• buttons et al.
• cotton balls
• pipe cleaners
• wire
• large selection of tapes: duct tape (in different colors), electrical tape (colors), packing tape
• fabric (cut into random squares and rectangles of different sizes)
There's almost no limit to the things you can add to your studio, many of them from other areas of your home. Tomorrow we'll talk about all the things you can add to your studio at no cost, on top of the recyclables you've already gathered.
The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.
— Loris Malaguzzi
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Books
“The book spells out the different steps in implementing student-directed projects, and every chapter has an inspiring list of specific ideas/formats. My only complaint is I want more — I can’t wait to read what Pickert publishes next.”
“[A] must read for all parents and educators who are interested in raising/encouraging children to take charge of their education and make learning a lifestyle and not just a chore. This book is filled with practical advice…”
“There is so much practical, useful information in this book. … Pickert gives us the tools to be great mentors to our kids.”
“In addition to teaching how to do project-based homeschooling it’s like a manual on how to live.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
“Although the title says ‘Project-Based Homeschooling,’ it is really something that any parent could incorporate into their lives, homeschooling or regular schooling.”
“Brilliantly written book, easy to read, easy to follow, well organised, stuffed full of easy to follow and idea-provoking tips for enjoying learning and supporting children of all ages. ... As a librarian and advocate of life long learning, I can’t tell you what a joy this book is to read — affirming, inspiring and practical.”
“Her writing style is really accessible, witty and flows beautifully; she paints a picture of a world you can’t help but want to be a part of. This isn’t a vague philosophy, this is a how-to book that empowers parents to empower their children.”
“For those new to homeschooling and even those such as myself, who have been homeschooling for years, this book will be the one you have on hand at all times. Easy to read, intelligent, heartfelt, inspiring and honest!”
“I can't recommend it highly enough.”
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“[H]er new book … synthesizes so much wisdom about homeschooling from a project-based perspective.”
“[O]verflowing with ideas for any parent who’d like to encourage more self-directed learning in their kids.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
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“Anyone who considers themselves the ultimate guardian of their children’s education … will find ideas to think about and act upon.”
“[A] rare book that both inspired me to make changes in the way I homeschool and gave me the practical means to make them.”
“[T]his isn't just a homeschooling book. It is a guide to parenting.”
“[I]t’s a revolutionary vision of how kids can learn — and an idea book for making that learning happen.”
“What Pickert has done with her book is explain in an easy-to-read and practical manner what parents can do at home to ensure that children will take charge of their own education and gain essential skills. If that sounds far-fetched, I suggest you read the book.”
“There are only a handful of books that I can honestly say have changed my life. This … is one of those books.”
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