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Introduction to Visual Journals: Learning a Range of Art Techniques (Weeks 1-4)

This 4-week class teaches students to repurpose a used hardback book through drawing, painting, and collaging techniques turning each page into a work of art. Each lesson focuses on self-expression while learning new art techniques.
Benjamin Corey's Creative Curriculum Coop
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What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Assessment
Students can submit images of their finished work of art. I will respond with feedback.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
This 4-week art-focused class introduces students to visual journals, also called altered books or junk journals. Students will take a used hardback book and create works of art on the pages. Through this class, they will learn how to select their book, prepare the book, and start working in it. No art experience is needed to jump into visual journaling. I recommend taking this course before my other visual journal courses, as this is the introduction class. 

This art class is ideal for middle and high-school-age students. When I taught high school art this was often my students' favorite project. It's a space for students to learn and experiment with new art materials and techniques while expressing themselves creatively. This art project is all about personal taste, style, and aesthetic. It's perfect for students wanting to test out a range of art styles and materials. 

4 lessons are included in this pack over the course of 4 weeks. The lessons focus on starting your visual journal, getting ideas and inspiration, collaging tips, and tips to incorporate text. 

THIS VISUAL JOURNAL COURSE INCLUDES:
WEEK ONE: INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL JOURNALS
Students will get an overview of what visual journals are, how to select a book, prepare the book, and start on their very first mixed media art page. The following is included in the first lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Introduction to visual journals slide presentation
-Starting guide with examples
-20-minute demo video
-First page checklist

Required materials for this assignment include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue

WEEK TWO: IDEAS AND INSPIRATION
Students will learn how to find inspiration for their visual journal pages. 10 tips are included on how to get an idea for their art page. Using an inspiration guide they will select one technique to include in their visual journal this week. The following is included in the second lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Ideas and inspiration guide with examples
-15-minute demo video
- Page checklist

Required materials include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue
Recommend materials include (depending on what inspiration the student chooses to focus on):
-Sharpies and/or pens
-Watercolor or other types of paint
-Printed photographs

WEEK THREE: COLLAGING TIPS
Students will learn 6 tips to create a successful collage. This is an important technique for creating mixed media works of art in their visual journals. They will practice at least one (if not multiple) collaging technique on their page. The following is included in the third art lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Collage guide with examples
-15-minute demo video
-Visual journal page checklist

Required materials include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue
Recommend materials include (depending on what technique the student chooses to focus on):
-Additional book you can pull book pages from
-Xacto Knife (with adult supervision)

WEEK FOUR: HOW TO INCORPORATE TEXT
Learning how to balance text in a visual image can be tricky. This week students will learn 9 tips to successfully incorporate text into their works of art. The following is included in the lesson pack:
-Instruction sheet
-Text guide with examples
-15-minute demo video
-Project checklist

Required materials include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue
Recommend materials include (depending on what technique the student chooses to focus on):
-Sharpies
-India ink
-Calligraphy pen
-Letter stamps
-Masking tape and/or packaging tape

Every week students will receive the lesson materials on Monday. They will see how I used the material or technique introduced in my personal visual journal that week. Students can work at their own pace during the week to complete their visual journal page. On Friday I will touch base with students to check their progress. If a student chooses to share their finished page I will send a video message back with comments about their work of art. 

Visual journaling offers a space for students to express themselves. This is incredibly important, especially for developing tweens and teens. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity are pushed in every assignment. I hope students continue to work in their visual journals long after this course. 

ABOUT THE TEACHER: 
I can't remember not having art in my life. I was raised by an art teacher, got my bachelor's and master's in art education, taught art-focused summer camps, volunteered in art classrooms, and taught high school art for over 12 years. Now I develop art lessons and curriculums for other teachers or homeschool parents to implement in their art classrooms. I love the flexibility virtual teaching offers me while still allowing me to be involved in education. Please reach out anytime with questions or comments!
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to express themselves creatively and how to use a wide range of art materials and techniques. Through this four-week class, students learn how to select a visual journal book, prepare the book, create a magazine collage, find art inspiration, create a successful collage, and incorporate text into a work of art.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Visual Journals
 Students will get an overview of what visual journals are, how to select a book, prepare the book, and start on their very first mixed media art page. The following is included in the first lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Introduction to visual journals slide presentation
-Starting guide with examples
-20-minute demo video
-First page checklist 
Lesson 2:
Ideas and Inspiration for Visual Journals
 Students will learn how to find inspiration for their visual journal pages. 10 tips are included on how to get an idea for their art page. Using an inspiration guide they will select one technique to include in their visual journal this week. The following is included in the second lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Ideas and inspiration guide with examples
-15-minute demo video
-Page checklist 
Lesson 3:
Collaging Tips for Visual Journals
 Students will learn 6 tips to create a successful collage. This is an important technique for creating mixed media works of art in their visual journals. They will practice at least one (if not multiple) collaging technique on their page. The following is included in the third art lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Collage guide with examples
-15-minute demo video
-Visual journal page checklist 
Lesson 4:
Tips for Incorporating Text in Your Visual Journal
 Learning how to balance text in a visual image can be tricky. This week students will learn 9 tips to successfully incorporate text into their works of art. The following is included in the lesson pack:
-Instruction sheet
-Text guide with examples
-15-minute demo video
-Project checklist 

Other Details

Parental Guidance
At times students will have the option to use material that may be messy, such as paint, or require adult supervision, such as an Xacto Knife. A range of materials are always introduced to allow students to select what interests them most. If you don't have access to supplies or prefer a supply is not used I will recommend other options.
Supply List
Students will need physical supplies to complete assignments. Required materials include a used hardback book, magazines that can be cut up, scissors, and glue. Optional materials for this course include Sharpies, pens, masking tape, packaging tape, letter stamps, India ink, calligraphy pens, watercolor paint, and similar.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2018
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4575reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Jordan Kohanim
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Cameron Shaw
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Maria Thorne
North Carolina Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Allie Baker
Doctoral Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Arts in Belgrade
Natalija Stojanovic
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Arts in Belgrade
Natalija Stojanovic
Master's Degree in Education from Georgia College and State University
Maria Thorne
Master's Degree in Education from Georgia State University
Benjamin Corey
Master's Degree in Education from University of Georgia
Whitney Panetta
Bachelor's Degree in English from Kennesaw State University
Jordan Kohanim
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science from Vassar College
Cameron Shaw
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Georgia Southern University
Maria Thorne
Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Ramapo College of New Jersey
Jessica Rinzuello
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Georgia
Whitney Panetta
Bachelor's Degree in Education from UNCP
Allie Baker
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Oglethorpe University
Benjamin Corey
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Hampshire College
Peter Burke
Bachelor's Degree in History from Georgia State University
James Bostick
I have my bachelor's degree in art education, master's degree in art education, 12 years experience teaching high school art, 5 years experience teaching art summer camps and volunteering in art classrooms K-12, 15 years experience developing art lessons, art curriculums, and working in the virtual education sector. 

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$15

weekly or $58 for all content
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 13-18

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