How Do I Make a Lapbook?

Let me count the ways... you can make a lapbook using any number of folds and extensions... but below are shown a few simple starter rules.

There are numerous other folds that you can make for your lapbook, but the most popular methods are "extensions" which add just a little room to your lapbook.  A single file folder may not be big enough for a detailed unit study, but a double folder may well be too big.  Either way, try one of these alternative folds.

You can add extensions to the top and/or bottom of your folder.

This is easily accomplished with cardstock, which comes in a variety of colours.  Simply glue to either the top of bottom of the centre section of your folder.

Similarly, you can add a larger extension by using 11" by 17" cardstock and gluing it into place at the site of the right hand fold.  This gives you a second, doubles sided centre section.

Alternatively, if you have a really big project and want a larger folder in which to display it, try gluing two folders together!

SHAPE BOOKS: basically a book cut into the shape of the subject.

FAN BOOKS: A book with a small brad holding the pages together so they can fan out.

CIRCULAR STORY DISC: A Circle with 6-12 pictures from the book/project placed around it, covered with another circle with a hole cut out of it to reveal one picture at a time.

ACCORDION FOLD BOOKS: Book with an accordion fold and information on the little sheets.

FLAP BOOK:  This can be done in several forms... the tab book with the tabs that stick up with a title, or tiled as seen in the diagram.

For more information, there are two great sources... check out www.tobinslab.com which is a homeschool family run business.  They recently had a fire, and could really do with the increase in business to get back onto their feet.

Secondly, you should look at The Big Book of Books by Dinah Zike, found at http://www.dinah.com/

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