Lapbooks - What Exactly Are They?

Recently, I discovered a new instructional aid for our home school called lapbooks. Some other names for these include lap books, flip books, or folder books.

I am not certain exactly who to credit for its creation but I was first exposed to them on the Internet and through discussion groups. But, now that I have found them, I am constantly looking for new ways to include them in our home school activities.

A lapbook is made from a file folder that has been fully laid out and then re-folded with the sides inward so that it opens just like a book. Then, smaller books, artwork, newspaper clippings, worksheets, or other types of information is included within its "pages."

These are assembled with the usual arts and crafts supplies and serve as a very creative and interactive way of introducing or reviewing content within a home school or classroom setting. They can also be used to assess what the student has learned rather than requiring them to complete the traditional report or summary of a topic.

Generally, we make lapbooks after we have studied a topic or unit. Everyone makes it on the same topic but the individuality that shines through their unique expression of what they remember is always great to see.

Some children love drawing and doing artistic work while others may shy away from that if they feel threatened because they do not perceive themselves as being talented in that area. Fortunately, there is help for all skill levels within lapbook making. Numerous websites offer assistance in making themed lapbooks. They provide printable worksheets and the templates to create shaped mini-books. It can be as easy as choosing the theme, printing the documents, and assembling the lapbooks.

Lapbooks can be as general or as specific as needed. Basically, though, they are going to tell the "who, what, when, where, and how" of the chosen topic. They help me to "see" just how well a particular topic has been covered and decide if additional study is required.

They can be used to review, assess, and preserve what has been studied within your home or classroom. The children develop pride of ownership after creating their masterpieces and showing them to family and friends.

Lapbooks are not like written or oral presentations even though they are a record of what has been learned. They differ because they are colorful, distinctive creations that your child or student eagerly develops based on the information presented to him or researched on his own.

Start using them and start having fun!