Planning Backwards Model for Urban Arts Academy
Teaching Artist Practicum
Name of Project: Making book / Accordion style book
School/Teacher/Classroom or Arts Organization/Mentor: Urban Arts Academy, Sagirah Shahid
Grade Level or Age of Participants: 2nd - 4th Grade
MCAD Teaching Artist: Kayla Trevino
Number of Students: 10 students
Overview of Project
The students will start with designing the front and back cover for an accordion style book. While the cover are drying the students will use the time to fold the pages and after both steps are complete the students will attach the pages to the covers with glue. The book will allow for the students to have creative freedom over something that can become personal to them.
“Big Ideas”/ Essential QUESTION(s)
Create something that is their own
Being creative with design choice
A personal book were they are able to collect their thoughts and ideas
Student Outcome Objectives
Brainstorm ideas for the cover / Design and execute making of the cover
Learn or better skills on collage techniques
Learning page folding
-cut and paper folder
-Mountains and valleys
Lesson Preparation Timeline
Cut down book board
Cut down paper, can be done at same time as board but if you are unsure on how much paper you will need you can wait till after first lesson to determine the correct amount.
Gather materials for class.
Examples of Artwork
* i also brought in a variation of my own books from my own practice *
navigations in time
9" x 10.25"
Screen printing and etching
How to Make Books: Fold, Cut & Stitch Your Way to a One-of-a-Kind Book by Esther K. Smith
Was the scale good for the students? Were students able to assemble a book with the directions and examples given? Did students final work represent what they wanted when they started the project? If yes how, if no what changed? Are students happy with the outcome of their books?
Two sheets of book board for covers for each student. Cut into 4x4 inches .
Paper that is long enough to fit your desired page amount.
Papers and magazines for collage.
Learning Activities and Timing
45 minutes, two days
5 minutes - set up materials/ getting space ready for
5 minutes - talk with examples and explanation of project
20 minutes- the students will used this time to brainstorm, and cut their collages if they’d like. After cutting the materials students glue cover design together on their book boards and set to dry.
5 minute- clean up
5 minute - share time/ discussion of their design choices.
10 minute - set up, re-introduce and examples again if needed
25 minutes - for folding and gluing pages together and any other extra details they might want to add
5 minutes - clean up
5 minutes - discussion about the final project. What did the students like/enjoy the most? What would they like to be different?
Teaching Artist Reflection
Concerns - Students may not want to use collage techniques. If they choose not to and only use the 1 sheet to cover everything, finding something to fill the time could come up.
Extended learning - Once a student knows how to make the books they will be able to show others.