So, I decided that I was going to play around with some ideas about using a sketchbook in my classes. First, I had to decide if I was going to have students bring one in, buy one, or make one. I decided on helping students make their own. 1) it's more original 2) parents, you're welcome 3) I love marcjohns and his sketchbooks, I used him as an artist inspiration. His website is here. He makes his sketchbooks form whatever is laying around. I respect that b/c 1) it's inexpensive 2) it's quick and effective 3) it isn't intimidating. If I know that I made this from "scraps", then I'm not worried about drawing perfect pictures in it, my pictures can be ugly, unfinished, works in progress that are quick ideas.
OK, so if we are going to make our own..... what do we use....? Many of the "binding processes" were tricky, difficult or too complicated. Remember, this is like Day 2 of art class, I don't want student to feel overwhelmed, challenged yes, overwhelmed and stressed, no! So, on Day 1 I asked students to bring in a cereal box, or any box that has that thicker construction paper quality. Many students did, many did not. OK, no worries. I used thicker poster paper for the rest and gathered whatever paper I could and we used that for the middle pages. The thicker cardboard and poster paper are the front and back cover.
I found a "challenging but acceptable" process for binding our books, made an example, typed up the steps, showed a video, I was good to go...... I thought. Apparently, the Japanese 4-stab binding is a little trickier than expected. It's great if you have each students materials pre-packed and separated and ready for them as soon as they sit down, but trying to pass out and then scaffold projects is difficult in 30 minutes. We eventually made it through and students now have a sketchbook that they made and are not intimidated by. It's rough, it's unique, it's theirs! That's what I love about it!
Here are some pictures:
My reflections for next time: Have materials separated, organized and ready for Day 2. Clip together and use a heavy duty hole-punch for the 4 holes. (I tried hole punching EVERYTHING separate, my hand almost fell off and I spent hours punching holes; then I used my drill for the holes, fine for a class of 30, not 120 students!) Also, when they are complete, have a FUN DAY to make something for the front cover. I bought shaving cream to do the shaving cream art, I just didn't have a chance to actually do it, maybe this Friday I can surprise them! :)
I have figured out how to apply the Sketchbooks in class and within instruction! At the beginning of class, students enter the room, get their sketchbook and have a seat. Everyday I have a new "Doodle of the Day" that students sketch, have fun with, and complete while I take attendance. It's nice having students come in and work on this quietly while I get attendance complete. My Doodles are fun creative ways to practice the Elements and Principles, practice a technique or just think outside the box. During planning for artworks, I also ask students to make 3 thumbnail sketches before deciding on which artwork to complete. At the end of the Quarter, students are able to reflect on their growth and complete a writing piece evaluating their growth. (Writing Program Review).
Materials: Free (Raffia or yarn)
Thick blunt needles: helpful
Time: 2 days; plus a fun day for cover design
Use in the art process and interdisciplinary connections: priceless!!!
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