My young writer's group met at the library recently. After we had shared our work and talked about satirical writing, I planned a final project of kind bombing.
I showed the kids this video and asked them what they thought of it. They all thought it was awesome and I proposed that we did something similar right then.
We wrote good wishes and thoughts on paper and hid them in books in the children's department.
Simple, positive, and a great way to get kids to love writing.
They responded to this project enthusiastically, coming back to make more messages several times. Each kid decided what section to "bomb" which was fun. Chapter books, insect books and sports books were hit the hardest.
The secretive nature and sneaking around for good seemed to inspire them as they talked about what people would think when they opened a book and a sweet note fell out.
The idea of creating a little something and leaving it and your trace in the world is powerful for kids (and adults). What seems simple and almost like a prank, actually connects kids to the public sphere and gives them a sense of agency within it.
They can actively shape their environment.
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ANother awesome idea! Can't wait to do this with our boys and share with our homeshool co-op, too.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a gorgeous idea! My girls are pre-writers - but I bet they would love it if I suggested we put kind-bomb the library with pictures of their favourite things!
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a nice idea, but as a Children's Librarian, you have no idea how many times we have to pick up scraps of paper that fall from books! Please ask your librarian if you could put up a poster to write kindness thoughts from kids, or some other idea rather than making more work for us! Many times, when a book is checked in, we will scan the pages to make sure no one forgot something left as a bookmark. If it is just a piece of paper, we will throw it out!
ReplyDeleteCome on, seriously???!!! I am a children's librarian, too and yes, there are plenty of odds and ends left in books- but this is a wonderful idea- so suck it up if you have to bend over to pick up a piece of paper with an inspirational message on it. Or, get a new job in which you are better suited.
DeleteAs a librarian I don't have a problem with this idea. I wouldn't mind finding a kind bomb in one of our library books. At least I know kids are in the library enjoying themselves. We try to create a space for children to explore and have fun.
ReplyDeleteAnother librarian chiming in. I would not mind at all. The papers might get thrown out, they might not. If a staff member saw such a thing in a book, he or she would be likely (I think) to leave it in place, with a tiny little smile.
ReplyDeleteI am a librarian and I think it is a "fabulous" idea. I like the idea that the "kind bomb" may not be found for a time:)
ReplyDeleteRamona L. Grimsley MLIS MBA
Special Projects/PR Librarian
Berkeley County Library System
100 Library Street
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
thank you! we have even had friends find them and know that the were ours!
DeleteI am a librarian and I absolutely love the idea, especially that the "kind bomb" may not be found right away:) It would be a great thing to do for National Library Week.
ReplyDeleteRamona L. Grimsley MLIS MBA
Special Projects/Public Relations Librarian
Berkeley County Library System
100 Library Street
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
I, too, am a librarian. I think this is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I do not even mind finding someone's grocery list or check out receipt in a book. It makes me feel closer to the previous reader.
DeleteANONYMITY is a dangerous thing. I wouldn't give the kids the IDEA that it's okay to put notes in public books, even though the example is extremely kind a well intentioned. The worst case scenario could be fairly serious - as other children come upon these notes, someone may decide it'd be really funny to put totally inappropriate verbiage or pictures in a book as a sort of "funny" comeback. It would be impossible to catch them, and you'd have no idea where the notes are hidden or how many there are - they could be tucked inside ANY book in your collection. And thus I sign this . . . anonymously! ;-)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I am a librarian and I actually did this with a group of kids today in the children's section. It was fun and I encouraged my staff that if they find them on the floor, find another book and stick it in there. No harm, no foul :) Yes there is always the possibility that the kids will take it in the other direction but we started out by talking about New Year's resolutions and we (mostly I) decided that our resolution for this year should be to be nicer to each other. All you can do is hope!
ReplyDelete