"Mythology book" and collaboration

A sign for the mythology section

As you may have seen in yesterday's blog, we recently had a discussion about how we need a sign to identify the mythology section on our bookshelf.  It was decided, collectively, that we could use both words and pictures so that we were being equitable to everyone.  

Today, Giacomo, Jack, C.C., and Lochie were invited to the studio to create the sign.

According to their ideas from earlier this week, we needed some photos of mythological creatures for drawing inspiration, and written language for the other part of the sign.  We provided typed options and some scrabble tiles for them to manipulate the letters as well. 

Giacomo mixed the letters up and moved them around as he experimented with how to combine them.  

"We need to know those are the mythology books." - Lochie on why they were writing and drawing

​Each child chose their own path.  Giacomo and Lochie chose to work on the letters for the sign, while C.C. and Jack chose to draw Medusa. 

"I want to draw the head of Medusa." - Jack
"I want to practice the letters." - Lochie

"Her snake hair is going up." - C.C. 

"What did I write?" - Giacomo

"I wrote myth." - Lochie

When Lochie finished writing "Mythology Books", he looked around to see what he could do with it.  We discussed how we might use their letters and drawings to create the sign.  Lochie and C.C. decided that they should use scissors and tape to combine his "letters" with her drawing of Medusa.  

"Actually, I'm going to put the letters on top [of her own drawing]." -C.C.
Could we use Lochie's writing? - Elyse 
"We could take scissors and cut it. Lochie, could you take scissors and cute these white parts off of it, and put it on top of my drawing?" - C.C. 
"Okay!" - Lochie 

"Here C.C.!" - Lochie 
"We can put it here and tape it." - C.C. 

There was a lot of discussion about which tape they should use and how much.  When the thinnest tape was not holding the paper together, they used thicker, green tape.  This did not satisfy both of them because it was covering Lochie's letters.  

"I'm putting it here." - C.C. 
"No, because it's covering my letters." - Lochie
"It's okay because I can still see that, and I can still see what it is." - C.C. 
"No, because it's my letters." - Lochie.  

Together, they decided that they needed thinner tape; a decision that made everyone happy.  They were so flexible and willing to discuss the all of the possibilities until they came to an agreement. 

As part of the process, we also had to discuss how many drawings and titles we wanted on our sign, and Lochie noted, "If there's two of these guys [Medusa], it wouldn't be like a sign.  A sign has one thing of everything." The idea of two signs was discussed, but Giacomo and Jack decided that they did not want their work used for the sign on the bookshelf.  

Next, Lochie and Jack debated on how best to display it.  After figuring out that the paper would flop over if unsupported, and if it was taped to the shelf it would cover the books (and tear if we flipped it too many times), the conclusion was to adhere it to a piece of white cardboard and use a frame holder.  To the right is our display in the cozy area. 

At second meeting, all of the children noticed the new sign.  

"Did you guys work together?" - Maxon
"Yes!" - all four children 

Giacomo's words                                                                                                   

Lochie's words

Drawing the creatures

Giacomo and Jack spent much of their time drawing some of their favorite mythological creatures from our Mythological Monsters of Ancient Greece book.  

"I want to draw Argus.  How do you draw 100 eyes? Oh, I can just count." - Giacomo
Giacomo began drawing one eye at a time and counting as he added it [I believe he left off at 60].  He also added eyebrows, and taped a larger piece of paper to his eyes so that he could add the body of Argus, and the goddess Hera as well.  This is still a work in progress and photos can be shared next week per Giacomo's request. 
​
Jack was nearby and expressed interest in drawing Argus as well, in addition to his Medusa and Siren drawings. 

Medusa

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Above: Argus 
Below: Siren

Here are the notes I took during our small group work.  These provide some additional quotes and gives you a peek into our process. 

A busy Friday

It was a busy, fun, silly, and productive day elsewhere in the room as well.  

Some children worked on their bag tags in the Atelier, while others experimented with photo booth (there was so much joy and laughter happening there).  Message making continues to be a popular area, and they are creating many messages for each other.  On Monday, we'll take some time to deliver them to the mailboxes.  

​Next week, we will have photos of 3-4 children set up in the message center for some intentional message making.  This gives everyone an opportunity to see each child's face, written name, and symbol with the intention to make them a message.  We hope to fill everyone's mailbox with some beautiful, thoughtful messages.