MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling

Students use a piece of their own, handprinted paper to make a small, locked book.

Required Time

40 Minutes

Grade Level

Grade 2 to Grade 6

Subject

Language Arts
Visual Arts

Vocabulary

balance colour line shape space texture

Materials

White Paper 30.5 x 45.7 cm (12 x 18") Paper Strip 30.5 cm x 1.3 cm (1/2" x 12") Scissors Glue Stick Glitter Glue

Shop Crayola Products

Construction Paper, 400 Sheets
Washable Glitter Glue, 5 Count

Steps

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step One

Step One

Choose a sheet of your handprinted paper to use for this little book. Fold the paper in half twice in both directions to make 16 boxes. 

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Two

Step Two

Place the paper with the printed side facing down. Draw dots at the intersection of the boxes as shown. Cut along the folds and stop at each dot.

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Three

Step Three

Place the paper with the printed side facing up. Begin at one end and make accordion folds to the end of the row.

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Four

Step Four

When you get to the end of each row, fold the paper away from you and continue with the accordion folds.

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Five

Step Five

Fold the two end papers out. These will make the cover of the book. Gently fold them in half but do not press them flat.

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Six

Step Six

Make two small cuts at each end as shown.

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Seven

Step Seven

Fold the thin strip of paper in half. Slip it into the bottom opening and out the top opening on each side of the covers.

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Eight

Step Eight

Pull the strip snug.

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Nine

Step Nine

Put a small amount of glue on the inside of the paper strip to keep it from slipping out.

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Ten

Step Ten

Your book is filled with many colourful pages. 

 

MINI JOURNAL – Printmaking, Bookmaking, Journaling - Step Eleven

Step Eleven

Add a construction paper cover if you like. Use glitter glue to decorate it. Tuck the ends of the paper strips into each side of the book to lock it closed.

Learning Goals

Students will be able to:

  1. Create a small book from a single sheet of handprinted paper;
  2. Use the elements of design to create a decorative cover for the book;
  3. Demonstrate technical accomplishment; and
  4. Support their ideas with evidence found in the works.

Extensions

  1. Have students use their mini journal to make an entry at the end of each school day describing 'what was important at this moment in time'. Encourage them to add drawn or collaged images to accentuate their text. Once the books are full provide time for students to share their journals with each other.

Prepare

  1. Prior to this lesson have students explore line and printmaking in the techniques lesson on this website.
    Exploring Line
  2. Gather the materials required for this lesson including the papers made by students in the exploration lesson.
  3. Create 2 samples – one with a construction paper cover and one without.

Introduction

  1. Show students the mini journal that does not have a construction paper cover.
  2. Demonstrate how it looks when it is a book, and when you unfold the paper completely.
  3. Discuss how you might use such a small book.
  4. Introduce the challenge.

Activities

The Challenge

  1. Create a small book from a single sheet of handprinted paper.
  2. Use the elements of design to create a decorative cover for the book.
  3. Demonstrate technical accomplishment.
  4. Support your ideas with evidence found in the works.

The Process

  1. Ensure everyone understands the challenge.
  2. Ask students to choose their favourite handprinted paper to use for the book.
  3. Guide students through the steps outlined in this lesson plan. 
  4. Observe students as they work. 
  5. Provide individual assistance and encouragement.

Sharing

  1. Place students into small groups. 
  2. Ask them to: 
    - Compare their work and describe to each other what they did to get certain effects.
    - Talk about what was difficult and what was easy for them.
  3. Share ideas with the whole class. 
  4. Ask them to tell how they felt about doing this project.

Assessment

  1. Observe students as they work  – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting
  2. Observe students as they discuss the art works – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the artwork and from personal experience.
  3. Use a checklist to track progress. (Download - JOURNAL_tracking.pdf)
  4. Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work. (Download - JOURNAL_self-assessment.pdf or JOURNAL_PRIMARY.pdf)

 

Downloads

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