Lapbooks really are a must have for curious kids! We have everything you need to set up a lapbook project for homeschooling or in the classroom. Not sure what a lapbook is? We have you covered! Explore a topic with our lapbook examples and lapbook templates done for you. The kids simply can’t get bored!
What is a Lapbook?
A lapbook is basically a paper folder with mini sections that contain interesting information about the overall lapbook topic. These mini books can be as simple as you like or as elaborate.
They may be single pieces of paper, multi-folds, pop-ups, sliders, pockets, lists, charts, or graphs which are fixed to the folder. Watch a quick video of our Biomes Lapbook below.
A lapbook is a great to provide a visual representation of interesting things about a certain subject. It summarizes the key ideas about the topic.
You can use a lapbook as part of a larger curriculum, to focus on a single topic. Lapbooks are an amazing and hands-on way to study a concept while making something! Kids can have fun with the creative elements and at the same time reinforce what they have learned.
Watch the Video!
How To Use A Lapbook With Younger Students
While older students may be able to put together a lapbook independently, with their own research about the topic, our younger students will need more assistance. Yes, lapbooks are still perfect to use with preschoolers and early elementary age kids!
Tip #1 Put together a bin of materials including scissors, glue, double sided tape, craft tape, markers, file folders, etc. Everything is ready to go when you are and getting started is that much easier.
Tip #2 Although the printable templates are a complete resource, you can absolutely add them to your lapbook if desired or use the downloads as a starting point for your own creations.
Tip #3 Lapbooks don’t have to look pretty and organized! They need to be fun and interesting for the kiddos. Let your kids be creative even if a section is glued off-center. They are still learning even if it doesn’t turn out exactly as pictured.
Tip #4 Choose a lapbook folder that will be sturdy and durable, like cardstock or a presentation folder.
We have tons of easy science experiments for kids, now add a fun lapbook project to the learning.
All of these lapbook examples below are available for you to download as a printable PDF so that you can easily make your own lapbook. Read on to find out how…
How To Make A Lapbook
Grab our printable lapbook templates below and turn them into interactive lapbooks with your kids!
Materials Needed:
- Printable lapbook template
- File folder
- Colored markers, crayons or pencils
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions:
STEP 1. To create the cover of the lapbook, color each item on the page. When finished, cut each item out and glue to the desired spot on the front of the lapbook.
STEP 2. Print and cut out the title banner and glue to the top of the center portion of the lapbook. Then cut out the box beneath it and glue it under the banner.
STEP 3. Print, cut and glue the flip flaps together using the area above the dotted line as your guide for where to put the glue. Place them in the desired area in the lapbook.
STEP 4. Print the “What I learned about…” section and glue it to the back of the lapbook.
STEP 5. Make sure to read through and discuss the contents of your lapbook. Then write a sentence or two about what you learned.
Free Lapbook Projects You Can Do
You can make a lapbook on any topic. Here are a few lapbook ideas to get you started. Or get the printable lapbook template pack at the end for even more lapbook examples done for you!
Biomes
Explore how different parts of the world have very different climates, and different animals and plants that live there. Learn about what a biome is and examples of biomes around the world with a biome lapbook project.
Why Do Leaves Change Color
You know it is fall when the leaves start to change color, and you get those beautiful fall leaves. Find out what causes leaves to change color in the fall with this printable Why Do Leaves Change Color lapbook project.
Solar System
Learn about the different planets with this fun Solar System lapbook project. Perfect for a solar system unit study at home or in the classroom.
All About Scientists
Learn about what a scientist is with examples of famous scientists throughout history with this All About Scientists lapbook project.
Life Cycle Of A Bee
Learn about the life cycle of a bee with this printable bee life cycle lapbook! Find out some fun facts about honey bees and their life cycle with this printable lapbook activity.
Printable Lapbook Template Pack
A whole year of lapbook themes to complement your lessons.
- Do you love lapbooks but don’t have the time to make all the elements?
- Do you need “done for you” layouts so you can have all of the fun instead of all the work?
Lapbooks are a fantastic and hands-on way to study a concept while making something! Kids can have fun with the creative elements and, at the same time, reinforce what they have learned.
What’s Included:
- Why Do Leaves Change Color
- Pumpkin Life Cycle
- Apple Life cycle
- Spider Life Cycle
- Sunflower Life Cycle
- Butterfly Life Cycle
- Flower Life Cycle
- Frog Life Cycle
- Bee Life Cycle
- 7 Continents
- Holidays Around the World
- Scientists
- Solar System
- Biomes
