Q5: Diamond Art has exploded in the library and cloud sand. It’s really neat watching students gather and use it as a means to disconnect and socialize.
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I am curious with how you manage the diamond art? And how it is put out for students...I experimented with it last school year, and I just ended up with the base covered in lint and the small pieces everywhere! #TLSkyChat
I have an assigned student helper each hour who checks and makes sure that the area is tidied and that the tacky part is covered. I also cut the film in small squares so they can only remove a little at a time and if some reason it gets removed and not finished/recovered it doesn’t hurt anything.
I have a mason jar where random diamonds can be placed; all the diamonds are sorted in their own container. The only issue we have had is the lid to the sticky stuff not being placed back on and drying out. We have the directions with a QR for YouTube. I sit with the kids when there aren’t classes.
I have the passive programming up towards the circulation desk and my student helpers help “man it” while teaching. Thankfully the space is large enough to have a separate teaching space that doesn’t interfere with most library business. I’m also blessed with an amazing library assistant. #TLSkyChat
Legos are a huge hit as well. I wasn’t sure how it would go in a high school setting but then I remembered as adults we love our legos still. #TLSkyChat
I have found that in some secondary libraries passive programming and events are on the rise in those spaces. #TLSkyChat Creating opportunities for students to connect and converse it a bonus.
Passive programming is what helped finally get the students to come in when I started. Lots of trial and error with listening to student input. #TLSkyChat
Love this. Any favorite ways to gather input? I feel like sometimes it’s too formal or too small of a pool. Finding a just right way to gather input can be tricky sometimes for me.
I have a Google Form for them to fill out with wish lists and activity ideas. It’s not perfect but it’s what is easy to track what kids are wanting/requesting and also provide data for purchasing power when needed. #TLSkyChat
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I tell kids to drop notes or post-its on my desk, or email me. I love the little collection that builds up sometimes.