Class

Get Inspired: Small Picture Books, Big Ideas!

Looking for inspiration for your first picture book? Want to explore big ideas? Not sure about how to weave messages into your craft? Well, this class seeks to address these questions.

As a beginner-level class, we’ll have a cursory look at the fundamentals of a picture book and craft elements. Participants will then discuss readings around big ideas, followed by short generative writing exercises and the option to share with the class community. Class time will be divided into four mini-sessions.

We will discuss Amy June Bates’ The Big Umbrella; Carole Lindstrom’s We Are Water Protectors; Yuyi Morales’ Dreamers; and Amanda Gorman’s Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem. We’ll finally wrap up the class with a discussion on tentative plans for your future book ideas and a recommended reading list from the teaching artist.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Standard Time (CST); make sure you understand your time zone, and adjust accordingly

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.