Special sketchbooks and portfolios

cardstock covers and Japanese end papers

Every year when 5th graders get real sketchbooks with appealing white drawing paper, I see two things happening that I feel could work better.
One thing is that the students want to only work in their sketchbooks and spend considerable time on drawing. Then they have little work in their portfolios.
Also, they only use a portion of the sketchbooks and in the interest of better spending, I feel there is some waste.
This year, I am creating single signature pamphlets with cardstock covers and Japanese papers for the End Papers. These will fit into an 8 1/2'" x 11"folder with pockets. Also in this folder, each student will have a selection of water color and for final work, and Art Work to go Home pieces. All of this will be stored in portfolios for greater ease in accessibility.

stack of books n progress