Search Keyword:
Grade Level:
Search in:
Advanced Search
Design a Book Cover
Content Topic:
Visual Art, Drawing, Literature
Overview:
Students will redesign book covers after having read the books.
Collaboration Potential:
Classroom English Teacher, Art Teacher
Total Estimated Time:
3.0 hours
Suggested Number Of Sessions:
4
Resources:

·         Art paper

·         Drawing supplies

·         Various book covers (single titles w/ multiple cover designs) and library collection

·         Computer/ projector/ screen

 

SOURCES/CREDITS

 

http://rubistar.4teachers.org – for creating the rubric.

Instruction / Activities:

Students will have chosen a book title that they have previously read and enjoyed for independent reading.  The classroom teacher should have previously approved their selection for this project.

 

Lesson 1

Direct Instruction:

Students will come to the library. TL initiates a discussion by displaying the quote: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”  Class discusses the meaning of this proverb and how many of us do judge a book by its cover.  TL moves the discussion to the topic of what appeals to readers in terms of book cover design.

Students will then examine various covers (of the same elements) and explain why one appeals to them over the other.

 

Modeling and Guided Practice:

TL can use a PowerPoint presentation or actual books to illustrate how changes in book designs can affect who chooses a certain book (SM1_Design a Book Cover). 

Words/ideas to know:  color, line elements, boldness, layout, photo vs. cartoon drawing or other illustration, etc.

 

Independent Practice:

Students examine 1 title with 2 covers and complete a “quick-write” and explain why one cover appeals to them over the other.

 

Sharing and Reflecting: 

            Students will make note of some of the elements they think they might want to include in their own             cover design.

TL concludes lesson by introducing the project, reviewing rubric (SM2), and showing examples (SM3 and SM4).  Each student commits to a title for the project.

 

Lesson 2

 

Modeling and Guided Practice:

            TL demonstrates how to fold their paper into a book jacket. TL models how to lay out the            required elements, on the spine, front and back covers, as well as the inside flaps.

 

Independent Practice:

Students will design a cover for the title they chose.  Work will be completed in the classroom if this is a collaborative project, or for homework. 

           

Lesson 3:

(Depending on the size of the class, more than 1 class period might be required.)

 

Modeling and Guided Practice:

TL will model one oral presentation. Preferably before the class is ready to present so the students can prepare their presentation ahead of time.

 

Sharing and Reflecting: 

Students will stand, show their book cover and offer a brief summary of the book.  They will then explain why they chose to design their cover as they did.

 

Some ideas to enhance the unit: Invite an art editor from a small or major publishing company to discuss the process of designing a book cover.
Print this Lesson Plan
Presented By: Esther Keller
Website by Data Momentum, Inc.