Bookmaking at School 21 and Don Bosco Technical Academy

WP Art Pir Triada Samaras has been providing bookmaking lessons for teachers in various content areas and their students at both School 21 and Don Bosco Technical Academy in Paterson. 

Above: Professor Samaras demonstrates "Sqaush" books to Don Bosco ESL Bengali students

(See link for "Sqaush" books below)

Professor Samaras has encouraged teachers to use these books flexibly by using their creativity. The books can be created for any content area.  In the ESL class pictured above, Bengali students are studying a book titled "I am Malala" about a young, Pakistani education activist.

The teacher of this class, Ms. Chowdhury, will have students add content to the hand-made books from their study of this book.

In general, students like making the "Squash Book" which they have re-named the "Smash" book for their classrooms.  This book opens and closes like an accordion and requires math and folding skills similar to those needed for Origami.   

They have also learned to make another type of book, the Drum Leaf book, which requires a 24 hour waiting period for the glue to dry on the binding, and functions more like a small notebook. A third book they have learned to make is created from a single sheet of paper.  

Professor Samaras worked with another teacher and students at Don Bosco: Ms. Alejo and her ELA class.  After Professor taught the class how to make "Squash" books, Ms. Alejo worked with them independently to add content to the books.  

Above:  Ms. Alejo created this display of the books in the hallway of Don Bosco

At School 21, Professor Samaras has been working with the second grade teacher Ms. Bounouk, as well as her WP student teacher Ms. Abugosh, and art teacher Ms. Raquel Ford. Resource teacher, Ms. Gillispie, secured funding from Donors Choose for this project
 

Above and below images:  Professor Samaras works with Mrs. Bounouk. Ms. A. and Ms. Ford.

                          Above:  Professor Samaras works with Art Teacher Ms. Ford

Above:  Professor Samaras and Ms. Bounouk imagine a "Sqash Book" becoming a bridge.

In addition both schools are planning field trips to the William Paterson Ben Shahn Galleries where they plan to see a bookmaking and printmaking art exhibition, among other things.  In  this way, students and teachers will have a double exposure to the concept and use of bookmaking.