Julie Fowlkes’ Book Making Workshop
I have to admit, at first I was a little apprehensive about this workshop because I seriously can’t draw. Making books for my children seemed rather daunting.
As always, Julie was amazing. She made it so easy. FIRST RULE – keep it simple. It is not a competition. Let it be imperfect. It’s all about having fun with the children.
She showed us, different books she made for or made with her grandchildren. Every one of them was full of love. There were words written by the children that were misspelled, crossed out, corrected. It was so endearing, so personal, and memorable.
We learned to make 4 types of books, simple fold books, slit books, step books and my all time favourite Pop-up Books. Pop-up books really have a WOW factor. I made one about the family and that night I said to my hubby, Patrick,
“ Guess what I made at the Book Making Workshop?”, as usual, he rolled his eyes and replied all smiling “ What did you make Babe?”. When he flipped through the book, he was genuinely impressed.
He tried to take it
to the office, but they kids want to keep it home for themselves. You know what? Zero drawing. We just stuck a few pictures, stickers and wrote a few words.
My son, Patricio (4.5 yrs.) loved it so much, he read ( showed and narrated) it to his Teddy.
I also made some simple books with him & my daughter Isabella ( nearly 3 yrs.), they were so proud of their little books.
If the children can write, ask them to write a word or sentence about each picture. If they can’t write, you can ask them what they would like to write, and then write it for them. The magic comes when they show the book to their friends, it appears they can read because they know what’s written. Isn’t that great?
2ND & FINAL RULE – You don’t have to finish the whole book in one session. Patricio can only concentrate for maximum 10 mins. I’m not going to force him to sit for 30 mins. He won’t want to ever do it again. Remember: Fun & Short. Keep them begging for more.
Thank you Julie once again for giving me such an invaluable tool, to share love and laughter with my family and friends.
