1. Create a lending library for use in my classroom
a. What templates are there for this kind of library?
b. Are the ideas from the “Little Library” movement applicable?
c. How will I get books?
d. How will I decide whether books are appropriate or inappropriate for high school students?
e. Should I require students to read?
f. Should I require students to do anything in response to the books they read?
g. Can I include an “If you liked this book, try . . .” feature?
h. How can I include students who dislike books/reading?
i. How can I include students who have difficulty reading English?
j. Does it have to be books? Will magazines or audio books work? What about graphic novels?
k. How do I sell this idea to my students?
2. Teach myself to make hand-bound art books
a. Where do I start with this project? Are there classes on-line?
b. What materials do I need? Will it be too expensive?
c. If there are on-line classes, will they have enough explanation so that I can figure out what to do, or do I need an in-person class?
d. Is it possible to make a nice-looking hand-bound book?
e. What lettering and artwork do I want to put inside the book?
f. Are there good lettering alphabets on line, or will I need to buy a book?
g. What inks and paints will work without smearing, bleeding through, or getting the paper too wet?
h. What inks and paints will give me the vivid look that I want?
i. Should I make the pages first and then put them into the book, or the other way around?
j. Is this something I can practically hope to achieve by the end of the semester?