Friday, October 20, 2023

Viral Ghost Programming

 Y'all October is ROUGH! You can probably talk to anyone in education right now.. and they will more than likely say the same thing.

I don't know if I have talked about TikTok much, but it is one of my favorite outlets.  Of course, my algorithm is a ton of library videos, animals, and dad jokes.  Right now my algorithm is all about ghostly activities.  

I have 2 big programs this month:
For the materials and templates for the directions and signs I created for these events- scroll to the bottom
-Thrifted Ghost Painting with staff
-Ghostly Photoshoot with staff and students

Have you seen the Thrift Store Ghost Painting? Look up the hashtag #thriftedghostpainting for some inspiration.  I knew that this would be a SUPER easy activity that I could easily do with my staff. I also got the inspiration from one of my Facebook Groups from Sharon Autry

Not everyone has time to go shopping at a thrift store- but I happen to know an awesome one down the street from me.  I headed to Irving Thrift I found several pieces that I could use.  I also found some AMAZING photos at the National Gallery of Art which has over 50000 items of downloadable art (there are over 1800 pages- I went to the very end of the gallery and worked backward to find the actual photographs)  The images are also in the public domain- what a great topic to talk about with our staff and I can't wait to use them again (I am already thinking of Star Wars Day!) 






I invited teachers to bring snacks- but thanks to TikTok I found some SUPER easy snacks to share as well. I decorated cups to look like Jack-O-Lanterns and added a scoop of ice cream, orange soda, and some whipped cream. I also had Monster Munch I also had some worms and dirt.




Overall the event was super successful and teachers enjoyed painting and relaxing for a bit.


My students eventually find my TikTok (I am not sure how.. I have a very niche TikTok) and ask to be in one. I personally do not allow students or kids to be in my videos because the algorithm is super weird. However, another TikTok trend is going around that they can hop on!
I purchased a package of Queen size sheets from Amazon and am inviting students and staff for a photo opp (note- I am doing only a set a day- so washing every evening!)
Let me tell you about the joy and the LAUGHS that have happened with this. This is one of my Destination ImagiNation teams.





Materials List
-cardstock
-paint brushes (from Michael's- love their Teacher Discount!)
-paint (also from Michael's)
-Thrifted paintings or print images

My students are also asking me for the next Hot Chocolate and Storytime Day.. AND.. a Book Fair.  Both of those are coming up!




Ghost Painting/Trends by akbusybee

What have you done in the library that has been successful? I am always looking for ideas! 
Rachael and I also created a Haunted Texas Wakelet- take a look... if you dare!