Teaching With Interactive Lapbooks

I started creating interactive notebooks and lapbooks last spring and I never knew I would have such  an overwhelming response by teachers.

Interactive lapbooks are similar to interactive notebooks but are used for specific units. They are so easy to create and the students love them. The unit can last one or two weeks. And, this is a great way to teach the research process to share what students have learned about the subject. It's also a perfect way to differentiate in the classroom. Students take pride in their work and truly extend their learning. They are proud of their products and love sharing their work.

One thing I try to do is provide resources for teachers and students in preparing for the creation of the lapbooks. It's important for the students to have the resources available for their research.

What materials do I need to create the lap books?

File folders - I use the regular size. I also like to use colored file folders. You can purchase a set of 100 at Office Depot for $10.00.

Templates - You can find great templates online and purchase them through Teachers Pay Teachers. My favorite sellers are Graphics From the Pond and Candy Class. They have hundreds of styles and sizes to select from. http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.php (This site even includes videos.) You can also design your own templates. I love to see students designing their own.

Scissors, glue, and crayons or colored pencils - Color the templates before cutting them out. Students may want to write their information before gluing to the folder.

I used white paper on this lap book but you can always copy the templates on colored paper. I add graphics and text to my templates but students can add their own by drawing or cutting out photos. Images can be found through Creative Commons. The more you use lapbooks in your classroom, the more creative the students become.

When cutting out the templates, students may need to cut out blank or lined background sheets. These are for writing their information. In my Thanksgiving lapbook, I used feathers for vocabulary, a pumpkin and Pilgrim hat. Use fun shapes according to your subject and time period. Lay the templates on the folder before gluing. Your students will have a big mess if they start gluing right away. Color the templates ahead of time to prevent further mistakes. You never know, your students may need to replace a template. I give instructions in folding and gluing in my product instructions. I provide extra templates in my products. I'm sure I leave headings out that you may want your students to include on their folders.

My Thanksgiving Lapbook is my best seller. Click here to purchase this product.

I hope this gives you an idea of how lap books can be used in your classroom. Here's a freebie. See what your students can do with this Famous American Lapbook. Remember, these templates can be used in your interactive notebooks. There are no rules in using these.

Click on the image for your free lapbook.

If you want to see more lapbooks, visit my Pinterest board.