English Language Arts: Applying Knowledge

K-12: Standard 6

• Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and non-print texts.

English Language Arts: Evaluating Data

K-12: Standard 7

• Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.

English Language Arts: Applying Language Skills

K-12: Standard 12

• Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Standards for the English Language Arts, by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, Copyright 1996 by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Reprinted with permission.

Source: NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts

Fine Arts: Visual Arts

K-4 Standard 1: Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques and Processes

• Students use different media, techniques and processes to communicate ideas, experiences and stories.

K-4 Standard 5: Reflecting Upon and Assessing the Characteristics and Merits of Their Work and the Work of Others

• Students understand there are various purposes for creating works of visual art.

Source: National Standards for Arts Education

Guide students as they reflect on their academic year and highlight memorable experiences through special books. Engage students as they brainstorm their most memorable lessons, fun field trips and favorite moments of friendship. Categorize these ideas according to seasons to create Fall, Winter and Spring pages for memory books. Students can share their memory books in small groups to practice oral and listening skills. Consider using the back cover as an autograph page for classmates. Collect drafts of these projects and document ideas as a resource for developing successful activities for the coming school year.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Supplies Used: Cardstock, Colored Pens or Pencils, Gem, Glue, Photograph, Ribbon, Scissors, Stickers, Tape, Yarn

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

Die-cut additional Spacers, Tabs and pages as needed.

1. Die-cut two XL Album with Tabs & Spacers #1 using cardstock or construction paper. These pages will serve as the front and back covers of the memory book.
2. Die-cut the SM Girl #5 using various colors of paper. Leave one die-cut whole and cut highlights for the hair, dress and shoes. Adhere the hair, dress and shoes to the Girl (Figure A).
3. Mat a 3 x 4 1/2" photograph and title, My Memory Book, with colored construction paper. Adhere the photograph, title and Girl to the cover. Die-cut another Girl from colored construction paper and cut highlights for the headband and sash. Adhere the headband to the Girl's hair and add a sticker to create a bow. Adhere the sash to the Girl's dress. Cut a thin strip of green paper to create a stem and attach to the Girl's hand. Add a flower sticker to the stem and a tiny gem to the center of the flower. Use colored pencils for the eyes, cheeks and mouth (Figure B).
4. Die-cut two of the XL Album #3 for the first and third pages of the book. Die-cut the XL Album #2 for the second page of the book.
5. Die-cut a Tiny Leaf and adhere to the Tab of the first page. Write "Fall" on the first Tab.
6. Die-cut a Tiny Snowflake and adhere to the Tab of the second page. Write "Winter" on the second Tab.
7. Die-cut a Tiny Butterfly and adhere to the Tab of the third page. Write "Spring" on the third Tab (Figure C).
8. Decorate each page with die-cuts, photographs and creative writing.
9. Sandwich the Album pages between two Spacers (Figure D).
10. Place the front cover on top of the pages and the back cover behind the pages. Assemble the memory book using Plastic Rings, ribbon or yarn (see Main Photo).