Lap Books for Learning

By Anette Rogers

The term "lap book" is a trademark originating with Tobin's Lab, a seller of educational products. It has become a generic label for this type of learning activity; however, to avoid infringing on trademark rights, this and subsequent articles by this author will refer to them as "layer books." They are also sometimes known as "flap books" or "shutter books."

Basically, a layer book is a handmade manipulative format for collecting and displaying information on any subject of study. Some homeschoolers use layer books as a regular, integral part of their curriculum; some as an occasional variation in their normal course of study. Layer books lend themselves especially well to unit studies, but they can be a valuable, colorful, hands-on addition to any homeschool method. They effectively and naturally integrate reading, writing, math, science, history, literature, and art. Critical thinking skills and practice following directions come naturally into the process as well.

The foundation of the book is generally a manila file folder, or sometimes two put together to provide more pages and more working space. Sometimes the front and back of the folder are folded to the center to create a "shutter" look. However, any kind of heavy paper, such as card stock, construction paper, or other types of report folders can also be used. If pronged report folders are used, additional pages can be added as needed. A simple layer book can be a single sheet with the fold-outs glued on either side. In true homeschool tradition, there are no rules to follow and no wrong ways to make lap books.

Once the foundation is laid out, the fun begins. Either mom or students (depending on age and amount of practice) begin to fold paper into a variety of fold-outs: mini-books, lift-up flaps, wheel books, strip books, tri-fold books, and pop-ups, to list just a few. There are a number of websites, groups, and forums with instructions and ideas for making all kinds of fold-outs, as well as how-to books and complete kits which can be purchased (see links below). These small fold-outs are usually made with a lighter-weight paper in a variety of colors. They are then glued onto the folder foundation in preparation for whatever writing, drawing, cutting, or gluing is called for.

Some fold-outs are simple enough for primary age children to make; some can be very complicated. The simpler ones are usually best to use for educational layer books. Younger students can become bored or overwhelmed with just the task of making the fold-outs, before they ever get to the actual subject matter. Older students may want to rise to the challenge of creating some of the more intricate patterns – and make no mistake about it, older students will enjoy and benefit from making layer books as well as younger ones. A layer book can be a true work of art.

Once the fold-outs are glued in place, information is added. Again, younger students or those new to lap booking may need substantial direction for this step. Pictures can be drawn or glued in, with labels or captions; stickers applied, sentences copied, color added. The internet is a great resource for layer books since small portions of text, photos, or clip art can be printed out and glued in.

A layer book may be built around a book, a science topic, an historical figure or event, an animal, a trip, or current news of interest. The main points from textbook chapters can be outlined in layer book fashion. Pockets can be included to hold flashcards, pictures, or game pieces. Layer books are well suited for learning skills such as telling time, remembering the long division algorithm, learning grammar terms, understanding the periodic table of elements, or recording a science experiment. Charts, graphs, and diagrams are natural additions.

The finished product will be a continuing source of delight and pride to a student. He will be eager to show it to family and friends. It will be a natural, painless form of review as he lifts flaps, unfolds shapes, and turns little pages filled with bits of information he put there himself.

Books, websites, and resources:

This is a large Yahoo group with lots of daily activity and information. Be prepared
for lots of email if you join this group!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lapbooking/

Examples of lap books built around books; lots of photos included.
http://www.geocities.com/mamabrown_1122/lapbooks.htm

This site is full of how-tos, illustrations, photos, and lots of links to resources.
http://scrapbookingtolearn.com/scrapbookfolder.html
http://scrapbookingtolearn.com/booklets.html

The originator of the term "lap book." There's a good page for download
explaining what lap books are.
www.tobinslab.com

Another good site for explanations and links to resources.
www.geocities.com/gibsevengang/lapbooks.html

Lots of fold-out patterns and templates.
http://www.bydonovan.com/templates.html

Ready to use kits and packs for lapbooking.
http://www.handsofachild.com

Every lapbooker needs Dinah Zike's book, Big Book of Books.
http://www.dinah.com

Hundreds of possibilities here:
http://www.bry-backmanor.org/activitypages.html

All the maps you need:

http://www.worldatlas.com
http://www.theodora.com

All kinds of stories, activities, crafts, downloads:
http://www.EasyFunSchool.com