What’s in a Name?

What's in a name?

The variety of names that schools have given (or considered giving) their sketchbooks, suggests that they have really taken on board the range of functions and formats they may have. For example:

  • Thinking Books
  • Sketch Books
  • My Space
  • Journal
  • Notebook
  • Morning Book
  • Scrap Book

Each name brings with it its own preconceptions and connotations, which it is important to challenge and widen.

The diversity of names is encouraged within the Sketchbooks in Schools project and schools should continue to explore different options. However there is a risk that this breadth is translated into an “anything counts‟ attitude. It might be useful for schools to define what isn’t a sketchbook. This is probably mostly clearly defined by looking at intentions rather than outcomes.


Why Keep a Sketchbook? – printable pdf


Preparation for Tool Box: List of Materials and Tools


Simple Perspective Art Lesson for Young Children


One Line Street Scene: A Visualisation Warm Up Drawing exercise


Look Up, Not Down – Portrait Drawing Exercises

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Japanese, Mayan, Roman portrait.

Making a Blind Contour Drawing

Drawing feathers

Inspired by Henri Matisse

Libby by Anna


Making Halloween Props – A Gruesome Hand and Witches Nose


Making a Mask from Sticks and Tissue Paper

See How This Resource Is Used in Schools…

Year 2, Stockport Grammar School
Year 2, Stockport Grammar School
Year 2, Stockport Grammar School
Year 2, Stockport Grammar School
Year 2, Stockport Grammar School
Year 2, Stockport Grammar School
Year 2, Stockport Grammar School
Year 2, Stockport Grammar School
Year 2, Stockport Grammar School
Year 2, Stockport Grammar School

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This is featured in the 'Stick Transformation Project' pathway

This is featured in the ‘Stick Transformation Project’ pathway

talking points: Chris Kenny

Twelve Twigs 2012 construction with twigs 22 x 22 x 3” by Chris Kenny

session recording: exploring modroc

Completed modroc sculpture


Finger Palette Portraits – Fingerprint Drawing

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Drawing Cartoon Characters – A School Full of Characters!

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See This Resource Used In Schools…

Year 2, Ruth at Carden Primary School
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Pathway: Making Birds

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Life Drawing for Children (and acting up a bit!)


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This is featured in the 'Festival Feasts' pathway

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This is featured in the ‘Drawing and Making Inspired by Maurice Sendak’ pathway

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