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.      Your 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.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

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

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

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

Fan

http://notebookingcorner.com/ncfan.pdf

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

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

Venn

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

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 much 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.

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 Embellishments

There are tons of these.  You can use eyelets, brads, Joliee’s (3- D stickers), hinges, tags, ect., ect.  Use your imagination!  I have a leftover box of things I decided not to use on my scrapbooks that can be used for the kid’s projects.  I, a lot of time, buy things in bulk (JoAnns has had a lot of bulk packages lately) and I don’t always feel they will look good in my scrapbooks but they would be great in my kid’s projects.  Example: Recently I bought a box of probably a hundred packs of Joliee’s  for only $9.99.  Most of the time these packs are between $1.00- $3.00 a piece so 100 for $ 10. is a great deal.  Well, there were some things that I know I would not use so they went straight in that box.  They will be great for school stuff.  One of those were a package of tiny international flags, well I don’t have a use for them, I don’t leave my country (no money) but the kids will be studying about other countries and they will look real nice in a lapbook.

Mini Books

These are books already printed up that you could add to your lapbook especially if making with a younger child.

http://www.dltk-teach.com/minibooks/index.htm

http://www.kidzone.ws/kindergarten/learning-letters/books.htm

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

http://www.starfall.com/n/N-info/onlinebooks.htm

http://teachers.santee.k12.ca.us/carl/new_page_3.htm

http://www.maggieskindercorner.com/ Need to scroll down

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Printables/Printable_Books/

Coloring Pages

Coloring pages are great for the cover of a lapbook.  Most probably should be trimmed down and to work on a lapbook they will have to be cut down the middle.  Just follow your file folder as a template so it will match up well. Keep in mind if you are going to put a flap or overlap (see closures for details) on it because it will change how you have to cut your picture.  Another thing you can use them for is for diagrams or reduced down and used in the booklets or on the front of booklets as long as they are not too involved.  Simpler pictures could be used for the covers of shapebooks. 

http://www.coloringplanet.com/

http://www.first-school.ws/theme/cpgeneral.htm

http://coloringbookfun.com/

http://www.coloring.ws/coloring.html

http://www.primarygames.com/print_zone/coloring/coloring_pages.htm

http://www.awesomeclipartforeducators.com/coloringpagesindex.cfm

http://www.janbrett.com/activities_pages_artwork.htm

Clip Art

Clip art can be used like stickers.  If your needing a picture for one of your booklets, you can just print out whatever clip art you need.

http://www.classroomclipart.com/

http://www.barrysclipart.com/

http://www.clipart4kids.com/clipart/main.php

http://cybersleuth-kids.com/sleuth/Web_Design/Clipart/

http://school.discovery.com/clipart/index.html

http://www.awesomeclipartforeducators.com/

http://www.wisegorilla.com/clipart.html

http://www.oup.co.uk/oxed/children/oise/pictures/

http://www.hasslefreeclipart.com/

http://www.usborne-quicklinks.com/usa/usa_homepage.asp These go by book, so they are hard to find, but they are worth it when you do.  You click the book you want (not all have clip art) and then type in a page.  If you have a copy of the book, it is real easy.

http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/clipart/home.html

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/sitemap/sitemap.htm

http://www.arthursclipart.com/

Art Design

Here is some interesting info on how to make the most of your creativity in an artistic way.

http://gort.ucsd.edu/preseduc/design.htm

Freebies –Some of these are for a limited time.

http://www.handsofachild.com/2/freebies/ - This one changes every few months.  Right now it’s about snow.

http://www.liveandlearnpress.com/all_about_me_lnf.pdf -All About Me

http://www.liveandlearnpress.com/apple.pdf -Apples

http://www.knowledgeboxcentral.com/freebies/Automobile_Ebook.pdf -automobiles

http://www.knowledgeboxcentral.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=30 - Human Heart

http://www.lampstandpress.com/egypt/pdf/w1-3%20Lapbook%20samples.pdf -Egypt, This is a sample but it has a lot of stuff.

If you got TOS Winter edition, there is a free 2 month Super Membership to Hands of a Child.  This offer is on page 137.  The Super Membership provides a free lapbook each month, plus access to a few unit extenders that also have lapbooking stuff in them. 

Lapbooking Units

White Stallion of Lipizza

http://home.comcast.net/~hearhisword/whitestallionoflipizza.htm

Revolutionary War

http://vmead.tripod.com/shutterbook.htm

Lapbooking Examples

http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/HTTA/TimelineHelps/LapbookPage.htm

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

http://www.ebsary.com/sonny/Scientist_Sonny.html

http://www.waldsfe.org/Snap%20Shots/brazil_flapbooks.htm

http://www.canby.com/

&hearts Please Post A Comment! &hearts Send to a Friend!

Posted by BChsMamaof3

More great links : ) Your the BEST!!!
Blessings,
BChsMamaof3

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Posted by Fringey

Your post is huge! It will take me awhile to check out he ones I am interested in! I have some Dinah Zike books (of projects, and book of books) and a lap primer. We have a done a few on our own-dd1 just completed one(well, almost) on castle life. I find my girls like to have input to the design of their books. Thank you for all the research- and the kind post about my dd1 4H doings. My kids are pretty low key about competing- I tell them they are getting one judges opinion on one day and having fun and learning a lot doing our projects is what makes a winner. And no matter the outcome, we have lovely handmade items to keep the rest of our/their lives. Do your best and keep perspective!

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Posted by UK

What can I say?? You've done it again! This is simply amazing! I've linked to it from a post on the UK blog again! Thanks for all this hard work!

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Posted by Sawickis

There is so much info here. Thanks for all the work in putting this post together.

*Kristie*

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Posted by semimom

Those are some great links, wish I had more time to check them out. Been busy here with finding and putting together our secular curriculum for next year. Finally it is done! I posted about it on our blog.
Hope all is well with you.
Best wishes
Michelle
http://momtoanangel.blogspot.com

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Posted by jugglingpaynes

Some of these lapbooks remind me of the intricate kirigami designs my oldest has been making.
I forgot if I thanked you for the math sites you sent. Thank you! I think the Math Page will come in handy for us.
FYI--Little People make great math manipulatives. You can even make place values with them--girls are ones, boys are tens, animals are hundreds, etc. We used to do that with dinosaurs.
Peace and Laughter,
Cristina

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Posted by Anonymous

Thanks for the heads up on the folds..I do love my Zike books. I was looking mainly at the clip art, coloring pages and examples for ideas and resources. You always have such good info posted- thanks!

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Posted by henryteachers

I've wanted to look into lapbooking. Thanks for all the great links to check it out.

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Posted by DanielleW

WOW! That is a lot of information! Yeah! I'm very interested in lapbooking. I don't think that DS is quite ready for this but I am arming myself with ideas and information for when the time comes. What a great resource your blog is. Thank you.

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Posted by Redbud

This looks positively definitive! Wow is right!

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Posted by tlpgina

This is awesome! I may reference this next time I discuss or post one of my children's lapbooks on my blog if you don't mind! You have really taken a lot of time to put a great resource together here! Thanks.
Gina

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