Select the subject for the flips charts. If the kids are learning about weather, prepare a flip chart showing the different types of clouds. If the kids are learning about domesticated animals, have kids prepare charts showing tame animals or their pets.
List, on paper, the different parts of the subject to be covered, how many pages will make up the flip chart and what will go on each page. Design the basic template of the flip chart pages. For example, for a flip chart on different American holidays, choose a border that matches the holiday shown on each page. This might be a border of hearts for Valentine’s Day, a border of pastel Easter eggs for an Easter page, American flags for Independence Day and Christmas trees for Christmas.
Prepare the pages. Use 8-1/2-by-11-inch sheets of card stock as the foundation of the flip chart pages. Onto each page, let the kids add graphics and text that explain one aspect of the subject covered by the flip chart. Color illustrations with markers or paint.
Laminate the pages. If you want the kids to be able to use their flip charts for a long time, pages need to be protected. For a quick method of protection, slip each flip chart page into a protector sheet. But if you are using protector sheets, the designs need to be in landscape rather than portrait format. Ideally, use lamination sheets that the kids press down over each page of their flip charts.
Punch holes in the flip chart pages. The whole idea of flip charts is to put them together so the kids can flip through the charts easily. Protector sheets already have holes included. Otherwise, use a hole punch to punch holes along the top of the sheets. The number of holes corresponds to the number of rings used to keep the pages together.
Cut from thick cardboard a shape slightly larger than the flip chart pages. Punch holes along the top matching those of the flip chart pages. Using the cardboard as the bottom or back, bind pages to the back with rings.
Cut out a rectangular piece of cardboard 5 inches by 3 inches. Fold over 1 inch of the longer side. Glue this flap to the center of the back of the flip chart, 4 inches from the edge, to create a stand. This way, the flip charts will stand on their own, allowing the kids to flip through the pages.