Sketchbook Initiative at Blake Middle School

Great news! The MCPE has generously donated the funds to provide hardcover sketchbooks to all students in the sixth grade. They will be distributed during Art classes the week of September 24th. 

Sketchbooks help to develop visual awareness and can be used across all disciplines to communicate ideas and make observations. Potentially, students could use them in all content areas-- MakerSpace,  Explorations, Art class, in Science labs, Math class, etc...

The Art department has written this grant with the goal for students to record, plan, reflect, and develop plans in a visual journal. This helps students to work independently to visually brainstorm ideas.

The intention is to provide a grade-free, judgement-free space for students to personalize their learning.

It is the hope that by using these sketchbooks students will:

• Brainstorm

• Document progress

• Experiment

• Reflect

• Articulate and incubate ideas

• Use as a personal learning space

• Make mistakes

• Plan out designs/rough drafts/ inventions/ design thinking

• Sharpen observational skills

• Visual evidence of student learning-- possible inclusion in student digital portfolio

HERE is an article about how drawing is the best way to learn, even if you don't consider yourself an artist.

Thank you MCPE for your donation to provide this important learning tool!