Jun. 9, 2008 - new to lapbooking

I've been trying to figure out lapbooking.  In the fall when we start our science, lapbooking will be a helpful tool.  So today we were working on American History, I read through the material from last week and made some folded papers.  I showed the children what I was looking for them to do.
This American History section was about the Native Americans and the Explorers.  So I started with a folder and one cardstock weight paper taped to the top.  Under that flap was a "tepee" like folded paper.  On the inside, they were supposed to write or draw some of the dwellings that the Native Americans used.  They kept asking me what to draw or write and I had to keep reminding them that they were supposed to look in the book for the information or pictures.  This seemed good to me as I feel like they were taking that first step of learning on their own.
When the cardstock paper was laid down, they were able to add pictures and information about explorers.  I wanted to give them the idea that the Native Americans were here first.  I didn't have help or ideas to work with and I thought of that on my own.  However, the folds and flaps were from a number of websites and links that I followed up on.
I made a list of the explorers, where they were from, what they found, and what year they did this.  The kids copied that.  I had asked, especially my oldest, to look for more info and add it to the flaps connected to the explorer's name.  Those were added to the sides.  Then in the middle on top of the main flap, the kids put a folded paper in the shape of a triangle or a sail and had them draw a boat under it.  The triangle/sail booklet was for them to write about Columbus' ships.  Again, the oldest only put in more info than just the names of the ships. 

I might try and get some pictures taken and posted in a place called lapbooklessons.ning.com
If I get around to it before we leave on our vacation and that begins tomorrow!!!
TR