October 22, 2010

By: Nancy G. from South St. Paul, MN
Comments: 23

Posted By: Nancy Gerber
On: 4/29/2008 9:58:49 PM

I am looking for help with design resources for young learners - kids in elementary school. In my class, design has to be integrated into typical content areas - social studies and science most often. In the era of standards and accountability our public school has little wiggle room in the curriculum. I am looking for children's books that deal with design concepts. Or if you have advice about how to explain or illustrate simple design concepts that work. I once had a book from the UK called "Looking at Objects" but it is out of print and I miss it a lot. Let me know if you find one.

Posted By: mel ruth
On: 4/30/2008 2:17:11 PM

I think one of the best places is on your desk top - the internet and youtube. just a couple of clicks and you have a lot of information. Plus they are fully explained and often times including great visuals.

Posted By: Elizabeth Fletcher
On: 4/30/2008 4:51:20 PM

This is my second comment about the public library. Please use it. Many students know how to point and click or cut and paste, but the concept of quiet reflective research has been lost. There are so many resources in the library, in addition to the Internet, I'm sure you could find help there. Most libraries also have areas set aside for small children.

Posted By: Brittain Villaflor
On: 5/2/2008 3:33:27 PM

I wonder if it would be worth contacting the AIGA (organization for graphic designers). They may have resources available or people you can talk to/email about specific books that would be appropriate for younger children.

Posted By: Nancy Gerber
On: 5/5/2008 10:05:04 PM

I was hoping to find specific recommendations of children's books with design or building or problem solving as a theme. This is not a common theme for fiction. I have used The Three Little Pigs, but there has to be something more current. Thanks Brittain, I'll try the AIGA.

Posted By: Jacqueline Taylor
On: 5/18/2008 7:17:31 PM

Scholastic has a book that may interest your young children in a new textile design using markers or watercolors. It is The Spider Weaver, A Legend ofKente Cloth. Jacqueline Taylor, New Orleans, LA.

Posted By: Catherine Mott
On: 9/1/2010 12:50:09 PM

Check out the website www.NEXT.cc The have over a hundred lessons that they call "journals." The journals are great because they are all design based and you can connect them in many different ways. They apply to a range of ages as well.