Deconstructed Books: 5th Grade

Ok, this has been a HIT! Every kid was successful and everyone really enjoys looking at them.

Our librarian pulled over a hundred books to be destroyed due to damage. I grabbed them. Altered books are all over the Internet! Great way to introduce contemporary art.

I was able to find a lesson plan on Dick Blick's website (awesome plans btw!) that helped me with a good starting point.

• I gave the kids 2 1/2 class periods to do this. They have a tendency to stretch their projects ooooooouuut. Since they were so excited to do this, the time limit was appropriate.
• I purchased and borrowed hole punchers, rubber cement and "fancy" scissors.  
• We started off with this being a lesson on form and symmetry, but I was very open to student choice.
• If you want to try this: have the kids open the book to the middle. They can fold, cut, curl, rip, etc. Then do the same thing on the other side. From there, see where it takes you. I encouraged symmetry to kids who had some struggles. Other kids cut out illustrations and attached them in great ways.
• After a few tries, they took OFF. Kids wanted to add watercolor, yarn, sharpie details...and they were all excited.
•  This has been one of my most favorite projects this year. I am so proud of how creative and innovative the kids were.

Here is the sign I posted so everyone understood EXACTLY where the books came from!

Once the kids knew that these were going to become thrash, it was easier to cut into a beloved book.