Cut a heavy piece of cardboard to 8-by-12-inch size with a utility knife or purchase an 8-by-12-inch piece of art canvas from an art supply store.
Cut a piece of flannel to 12-by-16-inch size so there is enough extra fabric to fold over the cardboard or canvas.
Iron the cut flannel and spread on a flat surface.
Spray the front of the canvas or cardboard with spray adhesive.
Press the sticky side of the cardboard or canvas onto the center of the flannel. There should be approximately 2 inches of fabric extending on each side of the cardboard.
Fold the long top and bottom edges of the fabric over onto the back of the cardboard or canvas and secure with duct tape.
Fold the left and right sides over onto the back of the cardboard or canvas overlapping the top and bottom sides and secure with duct tape.
Remove the backing and the glass from an 8-by-12 frame if using.
Insert the flannel-covered board into the frame, flannel side facing front, and replace any backing included with the frame.
Hang the flannel board within easy reach of your pre-reader along with a basket of flannel shapes to use during story time.