Lynn’s Lapbook Lessons

This is my first year lapbooking with my little one and I am finding that it is much different than lapbooking with an older child. Little One is 5 and he was a very young kindergartener, in fact he did not turn 5 until a week after school started in September. Because of this, he just doesn’t have some of the skills needed for regular lapbooking but he still wants to be apart of it and I feel it is good to start them at it young. With that in mind, I have had to do a lot of adapting from the “normal” style of lapbooking. First, most of the folds are not real intricate. Simple folds work a lot better when they are little. Second, I have to plan on doing a lot of the work (cutting, folding and helping with the gluing), but this would be true with any project at this age and I don’t feel like it is a lot of work on me to do it. Third, less is more at this age. Trying to do a 30 booklet lapbook at this age would be really stressful and he would probably loose interest before the thing was completed.

Another thing that is different is when I do a lap book with my oldest, most of the booklets center around the exact subject at hand. Example: If he was doing a space lapbook, I would probably have him do a book on the planets, a book on the astronauts, maybe a book on the sun layers, a time line of space travel, a diagram of the International Space Station and well, you get the point. Obviously a little guy of 5 couldn’t do a project of that magnitude. With my little one I concentrate more on making sure he is covering skills he needs, instead of covering the topic, that way his lapbook becomes his daily work instead of being an additional unit covering a certain subject. Example: Using the same space scenario I would maybe add a P is for planet page to practice writing P’s, a mini book telling about the planets (one that already has it printed up that I can read to him), maybe a maze getting the rocket to the moon, maybe a math sheet that you have to add the planets or something, maybe a mini book about Neil Armstrong (like the other mini book), maybe a craft using shapes to make a rocket, maybe a Bible verse such as Genesis 1:1 and something to color with it, and a simple graph for him to ask if Pluto should be a planet. This way, he would be covering skills he needs to learn anyways, but they just center around a central theme and he has a nice little display that he is proud of in the end. To see an example of a lapbook Little One and I did go to this post. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures of any others at this time. Hopefully soon.

Here is a list of places that I have found really helpful when getting materials for Little One’s lapbooks.

This place has a lot of cool stuff:

http://www.first-school.ws/INDEX.HTM

Lots of free printables:

http://www.childcareland.com/free.html

This place also has lots of printables of various types:

http://www.kinderprintables.com/dailyprintables.htm

This place has a variety of different age group activities:

http://printables.familyeducation.com/

Lots of different patterns here:

http://www.preschoolexpress.com/pattern_station.shtml

Lots of crafts, printable and mini books:

http://www.dltk-kids.com/

This place has a lot of activities including simple mazes and other various activities:

http://www.bry-backmanor.org/index.html

Lots of holiday printables:

http://holidays.kaboose.com/

Various printables, crafts and activities for all age groups:

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/index.htm

Lot’s of nice printables on tons of subjects:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com

Another place that has tons of printables on different subjects:

http://www.abcteach.com

Lots of minibooks:

http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/printable_booklets.html

African Animals color and write pages

http://www.shirleys-preschool-activities.com/animals-alphabet-coloring.html

Shape books

http://www.teacherview.com/WritingCenter/shape_books/index.htm

More Shape books

http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/hme/k_5/shapebook/toc.html

Even more shape books

http://www.vickiblackwell.com/makingbooks/shapebook.htm

Write on shapes

http://www.storyit.com/shapes/writeons.htm

This site has lots of lapbook templates and lapbooks based on picture books:

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.php

Some more nice printables, especially on life cycles:

http://www.kizclub.com/

posted in Lapbooking With Young Children | 1 Comment

28th January 2008

Really Cool Lapbooking Elements

Here are some really nice Animal mini books for lapbooking:

http://www.teacherprintables.net/free-printable-minibook.html

Here are some Animal Flip books for lapbooking:

http://www.teacherprintables.net/free-printable-flipbook.html

posted in Lapbooking Elements | 1 Comment

18th December 2007

Lapbooking 101

This is a guide on how to make your own lapbooks. I know there are several companies that sell lapbooks that you can just print out (I own several) but sometimes it’s fun to make your own. Several reasons to make your own:

1. It’s much cheaper!!!

2. It’s more creative!!!

3. You learn a lot by doing the research.

4. They are unique.

5. It is less of fill in the blanks and more thought are put into them.

6. Unlimited amount of subjects, since you are not depending on what others have already came up with.

7. They can follow what you are studying instead of you following what is in the lapbook. Each lapbook can be tailored to your study of the subject.

Now with that said, there are some great reasons to use premade lapbooks. Here are some reasons:

1. You are in a time crunch.

2. You’re having trouble coming up with ideas.

3. You are new to lapbooking and are intimidated about starting. A lot of people have done this.

4. You have a free lapbook unit.

5. Your kids are feeling overwhelmed and they need to have a guide.

6. Sometimes a book just looks to good to pass up.

7. Sometimes we just want something already put together.

Another alternative is a hybrid lapbook. You have gotten a freebie or bought a book and it just doesn’t have everything you need. There is no reason you have to use the lapbook pack like they say. You can leave out things that don’t work for you and you can add your own books to make it more unique and to fit into your study better.

What is Lapbooking?

Here are some great sites that will explain lapbooking. I could rewrite all the info here, but since others have already explained it so wonderfully, I will direct you to their site instead.

http://lds-nha.org/lapbooks.php Awesome! Also lists various folds.

http://www.squidoo.com/lapbooking

http://www.tobinslab.com/downloads/Lap%20Book%20Info%20Sheet.pdf

http://www.lapbookladies.com/what_is_a_lb.htm

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8mnnp/dinahzike.html

http://lapbooks.freeservers.com/

http://www.thehomeschoolshop.com/nhs-articles-lapbook.html

http://www.hsunlimited.com/fullnews/16

http://www.hsunlimited.com/fullnews/15

How To Get Started

Ok, I know there is a lot of info here. The best thing to do first is look at the examples of different lapbooks. There are some really awesome ones and they are sure to get you excited about lapbooking. After you look at the pictures, read the links under What Is Lapbooking. These sites give a lot of information on how to do a lapbook. Next, I would down load one of the Freebies of which there are several and try one of them with your children. After this, I would try one on your own. If you need ideas, look under Theme Ideas. First step, read Folding a Lapbook and Extensions. Second, go to Folding Basics, Folds, Folding Definitions, and Templates to learn how to make your booklets and under Scrapbook Supplies, Clip Art and Coloring Pages to learn how to embellish your booklets. Next, read about Assembly and Adhesives. Finally, read about Closures.

Theme Ideas

So you want to make a lapbook, but not sure what you want to do it on? Well here is a great list to get you started.

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CindyRushton/37820/

Assembly

As you finish studying each part of the unit, have your child do a booklet (folds are below). Store each of your booklets in a baggy until you are done with the unit (or subject). Based on how many booklets you have decide what type of lapbook you need (simple or one with extensions). If you want to paint (not necessary) the file folders do this before assembly. After you have the lapbook together (let it dry), if you need to adhere patterned paper do so now, then arrange the booklet on the lapbook (if it is dry). When they are in a pleasing display then glue them down. (See Adhesive below on how to do this) After this, finish decorating it.

Folding a Lapbook and Extensions

To make a smaller lapbook if you don’t have a lot of booklets to go with it, just take a file folder and do a Shutter Fold (see below) with it. You can make a simple extension by attaching a piece of 8½ x 11 cardstock with tape to the top of the middle part on the inside so it just lifts up (like on a hinge) to reveal what is underneath. Some more complex extensions are shown in the next two links.

http://www.canby.com/hockmanchupp/portfolder_instr.html

http://web.archive.org/web/20021119232849/www.geocities.com/rozalski/FIAR/How.html

Folding Basics

These sites give you some info on some of the basic most used folds. It’s a great place to start.

http://scrapbookingtolearn.com/folds.htm

http://www.hslaunch.com/mypage/userfiles/100/69745646108.pdf

http://scrapbookingtolearn.com/booklets.htm

http://www.notebookingpages.com/Notebooking_Pages_Free_Lapbooking_Elements.html

http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/c_i_resources/Foldables.htm

Folding Definitions

Like anything else, lapbooking has its own special jargon, well this site explains some of that jargon as well as gives a good idea of how to do a lot of folds for booklets.

http://www.geocities.com/panpoop/folddefinitions.html

Folds – making booklets that hold the information and then placed in the lapbook.

Hamburger Fold

Fold in half like a card. Example shown at:

http://scrapbookingtolearn.com/folds.htm

Hotdog Fold

Fold in half long ways. Example shown at:

http://scrapbookingtolearn.com/folds.htm

http://www.commonsensepress.com/GSA-sample_lesson/body/graphic_organizers.pdf

Taco Fold

Fold in half diagonally. Cut off the bottom. Example shown at:

http://scrapbookingtolearn.com/folds.htm

Half- Book

Hamburger Fold and used as a book.

Folded Book

Hamburger Fold, then Hamburger Fold again to make a quarter fold card. Use as a book.

Tab Book
http://www.educationstation.ca/greatideas/FlipFlaps.php

http://www.dinah.com/egroup/Dinah%20Zike%27s%20e-Group.htm - Click on Grade Levels for examples of how to use this book.

http://www.dinah.com/egroup/Dinah%20Zike%27s%20e-Group3.htm - A variation of a 3- Tab Book

http://www.commonsensepress.com/GSA-sample_lesson/body/large_question.pdf

http://www.notebookingpages.com/images/Question_Answer_Tiny.jpg

http://www.hslaunch.com/mypage/userfiles/100/69745646108.pdf - shown on page one of this document. They call it a Three- piece flap book

Matchbook

http://scrapbooking.about.com/library/weekly/aa110905a.htm - for lapbooking you can skip putting the papers in the middle and the staple and just use the cover.

http://www.notebookingpages.com/images/Lg_Matchbook_2.jpg

http://www.notebookingpages.com/images/Mini_Matchbook_2.jpg

http://www.hslaunch.com/mypage/userfiles/100/69745646108.pdf - shown on page 2 of this document.

Shutter Fold

Fold both sides inward to meet in the middle. Example of this for is here:

http://www.commonsensepress.com/GSA-sample_lesson/body/graphic_organizers.pdf

Example of shutter fold:

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/images/graphics/d-e/eagle_portfo01.jpg

http://www.hslaunch.com/mypage/userfiles/100/69745646108.pdf - shown on page 2 of this document.

Trifold Book

http://www.stampington.com/html/tempting_template_0501.html - You can use this without cutting out the peek hole also. Fold the top flap inward like a brochure for another variation.

Four- Door Book

Start with a Shutter Fold and cut each of the 2 flaps in the middle horizontally so it makes a total of for “doors” or flaps.

http://www.hslaunch.com/mypage/userfiles/100/69745646108.pdf - Shown on page 2 of this book. They call it a Shutter Flap Book.

Envelope Fold

Do a taco fold. Cut off the bottom (you will have a square). Then do a taco fold on the other side. You will have an X in the middle of your square. Fold each corner in to the center of the X. You now have 4 triangle flaps.

http://www.hslaunch.com/mypage/userfiles/100/69745646108.pdf - This is on page 3. They call it a Four- Triangle Book. It looks like it is done slightly different, but the results are the same.

Layered Book

http://www.techknowassociates.com/tips/layeredbook.htm

http://www.makingbooks.com/step.shtml - You do not need to tie this with string or yarn, skip that step. Instead, glue each layer at the crease. Just run a small amount of glue down the crease and glue in the next layer. Do this unit all layers are attached.

http://www.hslaunch.com/mypage/userfiles/100/69745646108.pdf - shown on page 1 of this document. They call it a Four page flip- up book with bottom tabs.

Concept Map

http://www.dinah.com/egroup/Dinah%20Zike%27s%20e-Group4.htm There are examples of use if you click where it says “elementary’ and “middle & highschool”.

Top- Tab Book

http://www.notebookingpages.com/images/Top_Tab_Book.jpg

http://www.notebookingpages.com/files/Free_Project_Templates.pdf - template pages 10-12

Basically you use the template to cut out other paper. Use 5- 6 sheets of paper(about a half sheet or the size of the template). Keep one of the sheets as a solid sheet, no cutting on it. It will be the back. Then use the template, line it up with one sheet of paper and cut out the first top square on the top, right hand side. Use a third sheet of paper, cut the paper along where the first square was and the second square. Repeat this adding one new square for each page. At the end the top page should have one square (if you do 6 pages it would have not squares) and gradually gets more squares until it gets to the bottom sheet which will have all the squares. Staple the book together along the left hand side. Look at the example in the top link under Top- Tab Book to understand better.

Accordion Book

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/h5.stm

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/AccordianBooks.pdf

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001156/makingbooks/em_unfold.htm

http://jennysartspace.com/bookart/accordion.html

http://www.bydonovan.com/MiniBookI.GIF

http://www.drstamping.com/accordian1.html

Pop- Up Book

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/h7.stm

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/PopupBook.pdf

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001156/makingbooks/em_popup.htm

http://www.makersgallery.com/joanirvine/howto.html

http://www.bydonovan.com/SidebySide.gif

http://www.bydonovan.com/basic.gif

Vocabulary Book

Like a Tab Book but cut more times. Write a word on each flap and open it up and write the definition under the flap. Like the bottom picture of this link but with vocabulary words instead.

http://www.educationstation.ca/greatideas/FlipFlaps.php

Circle Book

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/h1.stm

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/CircleBooks.pdf

Envelope Book

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/h3.stm

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/EnvelopeBooks.pdf

Character Book

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/h6.stm

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/CharacterBook.pdf

Wheel Book

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/List2.stm

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/WheelBook_PDF.pdf

Circle Wheel Book

http://www.bydonovan.com/Wheel.GIF

One Sheet Book

http://scrapbookingtolearn.com/bookinstruction.htm

http://www.speechtx.com/one_sheet_book.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001156/makingbooks/minibook/index.htm

http://www.blewa.co.uk/project1/teachers/T1-5-1.htm

Flag Book

http://www.sdmart.org/pix/flagbook.pdf

Lift- up Book

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001156/makingbooks/sc_liftup.htm

Pull- Tab Book

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001156/makingbooks/pulltab/index.htm

Peek- a- boo Book

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001156/makingbooks/cp_peekaboo.htm

Variations on books

http://www.idreamofscrapping.com/Mini_Books_Article_Main_Frame.htm

Library Pockets

These can be use to hold cards of information.

http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/library.htm

http://www.houseofstirfry.com/chia/templates/libpocket.html

http://www.houseofstirfry.com/chia/templates/smlibpocket.html

Shape Books

You can use about any simple shape for these. A good place to look is in coloring pages. Just cut out the shape and use it as a template to cut out writing paper to attach. You could use notebook paper or writing paper for primary children to make the book. Just staple the picture on top and the writing paper underneath. Here are some temples for shapebooks:

http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/hme/k_5/shapebook/toc.html

http://abcteach.com/directory/shape_books/

http://www.teacherview.com/WritingCenter/shape_books/

Templates

Templates take the guess work out of it. If you use a template, you don’t have to measure, you just print it out and cut and fold where it tells you to. When I first did this post many months ago on my other blog, the templates were pretty limited, but not there are a TON of them. I have up dated this post with a lot of the newer templates.

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.htm

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks.htm

http://teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez/photo3.stm

http://www.notebookingpages.com/Notebooking_Pages_Free_Cutouts.html

Wheel

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/wheel_blank.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/wheel_8.pdf

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/circle_turnable.htm

Top- Tab Book

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/top_tap_4.pdf -4 tabs

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/tab5.pdf -5 tabs

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/tab_2_side.pdf -2 tabs

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/tab_3_side.pdf -3 tabs

Matchbooks

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/matchbook.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/matchbook_large.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/matchbook_rounded.pdf

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/matchbook_horizontal.htm

Flap Books (Tab Books)

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/2%20flap%20fold%20book.pdf -2 flaps

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/two_flap_fold_over.htm -2 flaps

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/FlipFlap3.pdf -3 flaps

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/FlipFlap4.pdf -4 flaps

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/four_flap_fold.htm -4 flaps

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/FlipFlap5.pdf -5 flaps

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/six_flap_fold.htm -6 flaps

Vocabulary Book (or Flap Book with lots of flaps)

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/vocabulary12flaps.pdf

Pockets

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/small_pocket.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/pockets2.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/pocket_HSS.pdf -fits a 4×6 card

Accordion

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/accordion_octagon_fat.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/accordian_5.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/accordion_ticket.pdf

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/fan_fold_four.htm

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/fan_fold_six.htm

Who? Why? Where? When? Book

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/wwww.pdf

Envelope Book

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/triangle.pdf

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/write_in_envelope.htm

Fan

http://notebookingcorner.com/ncfan.pdf

http://www.bydonovan.com/Fanbooklet.GIF

http://www.trimcraft.co.uk/Project%20Centre/showProject.php?projectName=fantemplate

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/fan_pentagon.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/fan_octagon_fat.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/fan_octagon_skinny.pdf

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/fan_small.htm

Venn

http://www.dinah.com/graphics/Web%20Venn.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/venn.pdf

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/documents/minit%20book%20templates/venn_small.pdf

Circle Book

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/templates/circle_fold.htm

Adhesives

OK, I have the booklets now how do I put it all together? One of the best, inexpensive glue IMO is the Elmer’s Blue Gel glue. It is not as watery so it doesn’t bubble quite as bad. I would put the glue in a small cup and have a spreader for the child. The thinner you make the glue on the paper the smoother it will look. Another great thing to use but more expensive is the Xyron. This will hold it together well and because it is a dry adhesive it doesn’t bubble and get soggy. But like I said, it is expensive. I also live using the tape runners made for Scrapbooking.

Closures

So how do I keep this thing closed?!?

1. Rubber band around it. Simple and cheap, but may ruin the book so use caution.

2. Tie a string around it.

3. Put a Scrapbooking eyelet on each side of the opening and thread a string or yarn through it.

4. Put a Scrapbooking Brad on each side of the opening and wrap a string around it.

5. Add a flap and add Velcro on under the flap.

6. Be creative!

7. Or if it not to full, you can leave the closures off.

Scrapbook Supplies

Scrapbooking Paper

Scrapbooking paper comes in TONS of different patterns and colors. This can be used to add interest or add to the mood of the lapbook. You could cover the front of the lapbook with it, could cover part or all of the inside, or use it for some of the books. Example of it being used:

http://www.notebookingpages.com/Notebooking_Pages_Free_Lapbooking_Elements.html

Here is some free printable scrapbook paper:

http://www.scrapbookscrapbook.com/ This also has tags, frames, die cuts and alphabets.

http://www.billybear4kids.com/story/personalized/scrapbook/CountryBears/scrapbook.html

http://pixelpaintpapers.com/free-scrapbook-printables/

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/scrapbook%20paper.htm

http://www.printables.thecraftcafe.com/paper.html

I don’t know how well these print out because I have not used them yet. Another source of very inexpensive paper is JoAnns, Michaels and Hobby Lobby. They have frequent sales and you can often pick up paper for as little as $.25 a piece. I also like to get this in bulk. JoAnn’s has seasonal paper that they sell in bulk. I wait until it is half off ($10.00) and it comes usually in packs of 180 sheets. The one for spring has stuff for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and lots of spring looking things. They also have matching sticker packs to go with these papers. I use these for both my own Scrapbooking and the kid’s projects.

Stickers

Again the amount of Scrapbooking stickers out there is amazing!!! You could use these to decorate the front or use them in your books. Example: There are state stickers out there. If you are doing a lapbook on a state you could label the books with stickers that match what the book is about. On a book about the wildlife use wildlife stickers from that state or even use them as the pictures to represent each animal in the book. Use stickers for special cuisine on the book about food from that state.

Diecuts

These can be used similar as stickers. Another good use is use the frames to frame a picture on one of your books.

3- D

Homeschooling with Lapbooks

Here are some printables to choose from for a spring lapbook for a younger child. Please do not think they should all be done!!!

Extras to make the study more fun!

Lapbooking 101

What is Lapbooking?

How To Get Started

Theme Ideas

Assembly

Folding a Lapbook and Extensions

Folding Basics

Folding Definitions

Folds – making booklets that hold the information and then placed in the lapbook.

Templates

Adhesives

Closures

Scrapbook Supplies