Activity #4: Bookmaking

Motivation:
- Read a variety of texts to students demonstrating point of view.
- Discuss the idea that books are made by people and start with an idea.
- Talk about the many ways that books are made and presented.

Art Concepts:
- Bookmaking and binding (in this case Star Folding Books and Accordion Books)

Cross Curricular links:
- Bookmaking is an excellent method for assessing student knowledge throughout the curriculum.
- While the specific act of making the book is based in the visual arts, the writing, potential research and presentation of the book can draw in elements from the entire curriculum.

Equipment and Materials:
- Construction paper or heavier weight paper
- Mod-podge for gluing
- Tissue paper and cardboard for decorative cover
- Brushes for the glue
- Scissors and rulers

Step-by-Step Process or Procedure:
1. The process for making books depends on the type of book being made.
2. The main concept remains the same for all types of books
a. Choose shape/book type
b. Cut paper according to required size
c. Bind together
- Please see resources section for specific instructions on the Star Folding Books.

REFLECTION: I loved the way the entire class gasped with the Star folding books were presented - that is the type of awe-inspiring reactions I hope to have in my own classroom. These are a perfect alternative to traditional holiday crafts, and an excellent way to demonstrate learning in the social studies curriculum. Students could make a different book on each strand that they learn.

LINK TO TEXT: Pg. 191-192 provides more step-by-step instruction on how to go about making books with students.

Here are two other books I found on bookmaking for my science unit:

Chapman, G., Robson, P. Making Books. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1991.
• Highly informational on different types of books and how to make them.
• This is a student/teacher resource.

Johnson, P. Making Books. Markham, ON: Pembroke Publishing, 2000.
• Provides many projects on making books of different shapes for different purposes.
• Includes step-by-step illustrations and photographs.
• Includes connection to Language curriculum.
• This is a student/teacher resource.