Unfold a manila folder. Take each outer side edge and fold it to the crease in the center. Press it down until it stays folded. Unfold your two new folds and glue a sheet of paper between them to form the background of the lapbook. You are ready to create your lapbook.
Pick the topic for your lapbook. Divide the unit of study into the questions: who, what, where, when, why and how. Include a miscellaneous section. Each section will require a minibook. Choose the best minibook for each section. (See Resources: Mini book Instructions for Lapbooking.) Small shape books can also be used. Minibooks can be made, as they are needed, or have the children cut out each minibook with scissors and store the minibooks in a plastic bag that zips shut. The books should come in a variety of complementary colors.
Write or draw the information in the minibooks. Neatest is important. Younger students draw or dictate their words as an older student or adult writes them down. Older students write their own material. Students need to learn to be succinct because minibooks offer limited space for information. Teach them to make every word count.
Find and clip or draw illustrations, maps and pictures that explain the material. For example, if you are doing a minibook on the water cycle, an illustration of the cycle would be a perfect addition to a lapbook. Frame the drawing with a piece of colored paper to make it attractive.
Create an attractive lapbook by creating a cover page on the front flap. Arrange the minibooks on the lapbook. The material should be sequential when it is important. The lapbook should look organized and be easy to use once the material is glued on to the book.