QUESTIONS FOR ANDY HAMILTON:
- During what seasons are children most interested when foraging for food? and why?
- How do you approach children when they loose interest while out foraging?
- What age group children you found most inquisitive about foraging?
- What wild or foraged food do you eat?
IDEAS
I have been thinking of creating a story for the youngest audience about wild flora that grows in the forests. Since I remember my family was always foraging for mushrooms and berries, so for that fact I know quite a bit about edible and non edible mushrooms. I remember it was always an adventure for my sisters, brother and myself! We used to get up early in the morning, fully prepared with appropriate clothing: wellies, hats, coats etc and baskets, ready to go.
We used to compete who picks the most mushrooms. With parents being there to advise us on which mushrooms we can pick and which we couldn't- it was only thanks to them that we knew. There was no books for children about such topic - only what I knew from my parents and grandparents. I have learnt that in Autumn especially after few rainy days and a lot of sun is a perfect time to find mushrooms. Also some grow by certain trees! And some poisonous mushrooms to humans can be eaten my animals.
I think that the introduction for children age 5-7 of age on foraging in a form of a story would be most appropriate with additional features to create more interest.
If I was to make a book for children age 7-9, perhaps scrap book format would be a good idea. Children at that age more confident readers and their vocabulary more extended. I believe that their inquisitive mind wants to learn more. Or even a forest map with its treasures would be great option!
Children age 9 and above would cope with more text content - a more detailed guide would be beneficial. Comic book could be also a good option.
Right, I need to get creative now!
.....and here you are:
1) the concept behind this idea was the interactivity alongside basic description about mushrooms both edible and poisonous. Simple, clear explanations and clarity would be an advantage for young audience. From research and having my own children I found that children do learnt better when they can interact with the parents while gaining knowledge, therefore inserted cut-out would be one of the options. Additionally the ladybird would guide you through the page.
2) the idea behind this one arouse from the life cycle of the dandelion: if you can see, while the bee and the ladybird fly along - the text does move as well, complementing the story. As the season progresses and early Autumn comes the dandelion changes also - wind approaches, leaves fall etc. The snail is part of the story on very page. This will be a guide book approach but in a story format.
3) this idea is a mixture of everything: facts, story with the snail interacting with the audience. facial expressions will be used also - to highlight the EDIBLE from POISONOUS mushrooms. Also hide-and-seek feature with the rabbit could enhance the story for children to create their own explanation why is he hiding? or ask who's that? What does rabbit eat?etc, But this in particular will be linked to the facts.
4. Follow on mushrooms...I have created yet another approach: "Guess which one is correct?". Again this idea of the book will educate as well as entertain children and adults alike! The following pages of the book would have "complete the word, write one fact about this mushroom, etc..." Funny character - still need to choose a name for him - will guide you through the story and teach you about foraging for a reason!
5. Berry Bary...just thinking of characters, how to make them to be more appealing. I have learnt from my own experiences that this age group children do learn a lot of rhymes and ...
I have created one with berries. I thought if I create a frame around the page with a colour it will represent particular fruit, perhaps this offers some kind of navigation for younger children who are perhaps still learning to navigate around book pages.
...could carry on... :)
