Creative Bookmaking Workshop!

On January 25, 2012, from 6:30-8pm, parents and students will have an opportunity to learn, hands on, the process of imagining, planning and creating a book via a 90-minute workshop conducted by authors Hans and Jennifer Hartvickson, creators of “Mister Lemur’s Train of Thought”. In the book, a cartoon character, “Mister Lemur”, guides readers through 150 pages and 66 fun and subtly educational stories.

Designed to teach teamwork, time-management, communication and critical thinking, the evening workshop will be fun and collaborative for students and their parents. The event is free and open to the public, however, participants must register beforehand (to register, send an email request to khb@graystar.com). The workshop will be held in the SMS Multi-purpose room and is designed for students AND parents (though this is not mandatory). No babysitting will be provided; participants are recommended to be age 10 and above.

The Mister Lemur workshop will begin with a challenge: to conceive of and create an 8-page mini-book within the allocated 90 minutes. Given the timeline, teamwork will be critical! Hans and Jennifer will help teams assign roles (time-keeper, materials coordinator, scribe, and harmonizer) and make a plan. After a fun brainstorming exercise that yields the storyline, teams will head off to work; writers will meet with Hans to review plot and meter while artists will meet with Jen to discuss layout and design. With newfound knowledge in-hand, teams will reunite for the final 30 minutes to create their mini-book (this is where parent participation is most critical). The workshop will conclude with a “book fair” as the newly created books are put on display for all to see.

“Mister Lemur’s Train of Thought” contains illustrated, rhyming stories that are intended to be read aloud to 5-7 year olds and independently by 8-11 year olds. For more information about the book, please visit http://www.misterlemur.com/.

Brought to you by your SMS PTSA and CFSCPTA!