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Podcast Episode 8 show notes:

We want to use this Christmas time to introduce the concept of Lapbooks as a “curriculum” or as a supplement teaching method to what you may already be using.

Simply put Lapbooks are a type of homemade fold out “book” created out of file folders that have been taped together. Included on the foldouts are mini books or folded pockets of things that have been learned about a thing, literature book, time period, or even math concept.

PROS:
Great for children who like to “create”. Makes learning fun!
Children are like authors creating their own books and take ownership in the learning process.
Allows children to guide their learning to subject areas of interest. NOTE: Not that our children get to avoid learning things that they don’t like – the basics are still necessary!
Many use “real” literature books.
Uses a “thematic” or “unit” approach which ties all subject areas to one topic or example.
Can be used to “skim” a subject or historical period (as in colonial period). Lapbooks can also be used as a very in depth study on something like trains for example. With a broad history of trains or study of a specific type of trains.
Very little cost. (more details below)

CONS:
Lapbooks often involve moderate to much handwriting depending on the level. However many have sections with tracing options.
This method may not be fun for some children.
Requires assembly, but you do have the benefit of deciding how many pages to include.
There may not be a Lapbook on the topic you/child wants to study which will require more labor and research.

MATERIALS
Library books can be used. You may need a computer with Internet access and a printer (preferably color). You will need file folders, sissors,  glue/tape, colors, and possibly a map and/or a dictionary.
Laminating the folders before attaching all the mini books can help make them more durable but it does increase cost.
You can laminate over the pockets too, you just need a razor knife to cut them open afterwards.
One resource that is helpful to have especially if you are using this approach as a primary means of curriculum is the Enchanted Learning website subscription. The cost is $20 per year.

LAPBOOK RESOURCES
Homeschool Share – a great lapbook resource site. (free Lapbooks- just click and print!) Master Lapbook List
Enchanted Learning Some free lapbook resources. The yearly subscription to this site is a must if you use lapbooks often.
Christian Preschool Printables – We sometimes include these mini books by making a pocket out of construction paper & gluing/stapling to the Lapbook.
DLTK WEBSITE – a great minibook resource, but this site has a ton more to offer. We will mention it again I am sure.

CHRISTMAS LAPBOOKS

The Legend of the Candy Cane Lapbook Instructions – Full downloadable lapbook instructions from Homeschool Share.

Hands of a Child “Symbols of Christmas” Lapbook

Example of a finished product 12 page PDF preview of a finished product from Currclick. They have lapbook instructions for purchase for less than $10.

Video of how to create a basic lapbook that we found on YouTube: