Foldables most often begin with a standard 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch piece of paper. Folding the paper helps to create lines, which then act like lines on graph paper. Students can use them to create columns, headers and/or help draw objects with additional guidelines to maintain better symmetry.
Start by folding a piece of paper horizontally, but leave one half about an inch longer than the other. Using scissors, cut directly up the center of the shorter folded half until you reach the crease of the fold. The title of the Diagram can be written in the 1-inch space that is left uncovered when the paper is folded closed. On the left folded flap write "Cause," and on the right folded flap write "Effect." Open each flap to list the causes and effects on the back side of the flap.
In the large middle section of the paper, below the flaps and above the title, students may write their observations about the cause and effect relationships.
Fold an 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch paper in half horizontally twice. Open the paper and then fold it in half vertically. Turning the paper to the side, cut one half of the paper on the three earlier folds, creating four evenly sized boxes that now act as "flaps."
Students can now use these flaps in the same fashion as flashcards. On the top of the box, write the question, term or concept, and then lift the flap to write the answer.
While foldables add an element of fun and hands-on craft to each assignment, folding paper to create worksheets and diagrams can help the students feel more engaged in the topic.
As foldables always begin with a simple blank piece of paper, they also help to cut down on the time and cost of printing worksheets.
Finally, the process of creating and manipulating information in a tangible and visual way is a simple method for helping to improve student concept retention.