A set of three sketchbooks and basic bookbinding materials.

Jenna Palecko Schuck

It always starts with the same questions: “Why do I have to do this? Can’t we just buy a sketchbook?” The answer? “Sure, but wouldn’t you rather learn skills that are useful in life and get a project grade in the process?”

Years ago, I used to be a purist with my art teaching. All the lessons had to be some amazing masterpiece that I expected the children to make. But ever since the pandemic, we have lost a lot of skills. I’m finding that more and more sixth-graders don’t even know how to hold scissors correctly or how to tie a knot. This lesson about how to make a sketchbook includes many life skills that students will need. Itʼs also a great way for teachers to assess them as they enter a new marking period.

Back to Basics
In this lesson, students practice their scissor-cutting skills, measuring skills, fine motor skills including folding paper, and learning how a binder clip is used (great to teach pinching for students with OT goals). Students will also learn sewing skills and how to tie a knot, as well as patience, mindfulness, perseverance, and how using recycled materials saves in terms of materials and cost. The best part, of course, is that they can use their finished sketchbooks to draw.

I remind students that they don’t have to be perfect at everything—the idea is to try and learn and practice to get better at our skills.

Preview Mode - Subscribe to unlock full content