Build a Better Book activities can range from a single afternoon public event to year-long school electives. Browse these sample lesson plans to see what program format might work best for your site. There are no required tools, materials, or technologies needed to run a BBB program and the essential program components can be scaled up or down regarding materials and time, depending on each organization's situation and available resources. 

Successful Build a Better Book programs address these core components:

  • Building empathy and understanding Universal design, visual impairments, and design thinking
  • Understanding tactile and multi-modal learning
  • Creating tactile or multi-modal materials
  • Sharing prototypes or final projects with the end-user audience and obtaining feedback on designs

Download this quick summary guide to different program formats.

What kind of program are you planning?

Letters A,B, and C of tactile alphabet panelsHalf-Day (2-4 hours)

  • Build a Better Book Community Art Project - Visitors to the Stories for Your Senses exhibit at the Boulder Public Library helped create a tactile alphabet which was then displayed as part of the exhibit.
  • Introductory Workshop - Workshop overview of Build a Better Book that works for students or for professional development sessions - Trussville City Schools

 

One-day (4-8 hours)

  • 3D Giving Day - A makethon format with a short introduction to tactile learning and time for making - Mountain Lakes Public Library

 

 

Multi-Session (weekly meetings)

  • Sequin chameleons sitting on mushroomsWeekly Build Up - Multi-session project with a concluding event, best for teen clubs or groups that meet regularly - Springfield-Greene Public Library
  • Month-long Project Based Learning - Designed for 7th grade Maker Ed class, 5-6 sessions with learning outcomes - St. Thomas the Apostle School
  • Build a Better Game - After-school enrichment applying BBB concepts to board game design with middle school students - Trussville City Schools 
  • Summer Enrichment Camp - Eight session lesson plan covering BBB concepts and creation of tactile books - Westchester Middle School Steam Team
  • Empathy Expo - Six week exploration of BBB concepts concluding with public sharing of projects; partnership between school and public library - Glen Ellyn Public Library & Glen Ellyn School District 41

Semester Long

 

Additional Resources:

High and Low Tech Maker Tools - Explore options for tailoring BBB projects to your organization. Powerpoint from Hewlitt-Trussville Middle School