HERO:

PROJECT 1

🖼️ Project Title:

Visual Junk Journals — Creativity, Reflection, and Emotional Expression

Overview:
This lesson introduces middle school students to visual junk journals as a tool for self-expression, reflection, and creative exploration. Students learn to use recycled materials to create personal journals that foster artistic skills, emotional awareness, and sustainable practices.

Objective:
We will explore what a visual junk journal is and how artists use them to express ideas, emotions, and personal stories.
I will create my own junk journal using recycled materials to reflect creativity, emotions, and artistic growth.

Audience:
Grades 6–8 | Title I School | Diverse learning needs

Tools Used:
Google Slides, Canva, YouTube, Google Forms, Peardeck, recycled materials, markers/pens, collage supplies

My Role:
Instructional Designer & Art Educator — designed the lesson flow, curated materials, created visuals, and embedded opportunities for reflection and emotional expression.

Design Process:

  • Defined clear learning outcomes combining art, reflection, and SEL goals

  • Modeled journal creation and shared examples to inspire student ideas

  • Embedded prompts for self-expression, brainstorming, and peer reflection

  • Designed for accessibility and inclusion (flexible materials, adaptable prompts, visual cues)

  • Encouraged sustainable art practices using recycled materials

Outcome:
Students created personalized junk journals used for bell ringers, brainstorming, and self-expression. They demonstrated increased creativity, emotional awareness, and engagement with class projects.

View the Lesson:
🔗 View Google Slides (View-Only)

Preview: