Make Your Own Moleskine Poetry Book:
Classroom, School:
Seventh Grade English, Hazel Park Middle School
Cooperating Teachers:
James Hagg, Linda Morrison
Grade Level:
Seventh Grade English
Presenter's Name:
Cara Fazio
Subject and Curricular Link:
Bookmaking, and the use of some artists’ tools.
Overview of Project
Students will create a hand bound notebook similar to the popular Moleskine. The book they create will then be used as their final notebook that they will then enter into a school wide poetry competition. The student gets to choose some basic elements of the book, such as cover color and thread. They will then decorate the cover, adding their own personality to it. This they will/can do while working on the poetry.
The student will start by picking out a cover sheet and cutting out the ten pages on the guideline. The student will then punch out six holes down the center of the pages, punching through the cover as well (to do this they will use a push pin and a piece of cardboard). After this they will then sew the binding and use a bone folder to fold the spine. They can then decorate the books if they feel like it to personalize them.
Essential Question(s)
How can I take pride in the things that I create? How can I take ownership for the things I do? How do can I create a functional object with/ by learning a craft/or by making it with my hands?
Prior Knowledge
None. Just an open mind.
Timeline
March 11th, meet with teachers
March 15th prep all materials
March 16th - 19th create books (testing missing students)
March 16th: both rooms 1st and 5th period. 4th and 3rd separate
March 17th: Only Mr. Haggs room, except 4th hour Ms. Morrison only. (Sub in Mr. Haggs room)… Also, testing still missing students.
March 18th: Finish Books (folding), and start teaching students coming in from testing.
March 19th: Finish Books (folding), more one-on-one for those who are behind.
Examples of Student or Artist Work
I will bring in a real Moleskine, and a few that I have made. I will also pass around a few of my own sketchbooks to show the process of working in the books.
Assessment
A completed book, with strong binding.
Materials
Tag board: 20 sheets, cut into Eight 11"x 7" (Blick Art, bulk)
Needles: 50 (Michael’s)
Thread: Three spools (Michael’s)
Bone folders: 28 (CVA)
Printer Paper: 4 reams, cut to 6x10 (Hazel Park, free paper)
Cardboard: 40 2x6 inch strips (Free Seward Coop)
Tacks: 1 pack (CVA)
Scissors: 40 pair (Hazel Park Art room)
Teacher Reflection
Problems: The male teacher Mr. Hagg is worried about the boys and needles. Also, splitting the classes into two introductions. Going from class to class.
7th grade students need a bit more 101 training than I thought. I feel like when I worked one-on-one the students got it, but as a class listening didn’t happen so well.
The students who knew how to sew, and their willingness to help their fellow students. Also, to see the moment when a student understood what they were doing and the feeling of accomplishment they then radiated (beautiful).
The Project: will then be used for a poetry contest in the school, the best books will then be displayed as examples of quality work at the school. This then allows for a more personal poetry book. A panel will be assessing the books at the end, choosing the best pieces.
One of the best ways to see if the lesson worked is to ask the students, I find they are very honest and give feedback based on how it worked for them. I asked the students.
Learning Activities
Step 1: Each student will count out 10 sheets of paper (pre-printed on with cutting lines); they will then cut out the sheets to the proper size. When they are done with that they can then pick their cover sheet. While grabbing a cover sheet they can also pick up a cardboard strip and a tack.
At this point they will then punch along the six black dots (printed) down the middle of the paper. At this point they will sew the holes, starting from the bottom, sewing down, then back up. When they are done with this they will then use the bone folder and fold the spine.