Lapbooking… A Multisensory Learning Tool

I have heard bewilderment in the voice of homeschool moms at the mention of the idea of “lap booking”. “I’ve never heard of that, or “I really don’t understand what a lapbook is” they might say? If you can imagine a tri-fold display board at a science or 4-H fair shrunk into an item that will fit in one’s lap, you have a vision of a lapbook!

Did you know?

The reason for the name “lapbook” is due to the idea that it is small enough to fit in a student’s lap.
Sometimes they may be referred to as folder books, shutter books or interactive notebooks.
Lapbooks can comprise an educational scrapbook or portfolio when numerous lapbooks are attached together, perhaps in a binder.
They can serve as study tools for rote memorization covering a gamut of topics such as math facts and vocabulary words to representing a study or series of famous artists or musicians, state, or geographical information.

Are you looking for ways to keep younger students busy yet productive while you work with older students? Try making some basic lapbooks with a memory match kind of vibe, like matching word names with colors or objects? Laminate or use clear contact paper over paper shapes then attach them to the lapbook folder. Dry erase markers can be used to practice any subject you choose.

Lapbooks can be especially useful as multisensory learning tools for a student with learning differences. Not only can they employ the use of visual and kinesthetic (hands on) learning, but you can include materials that provide sensory stimulation such as sandpaper, feathers, faux fur, etc. Using a hands-on approach can be helpful for students who need extra reinforcement to retain information. There is great flexibility in the subject matter too. The chart below has examples of topics that could be used for subject type and possible learning level. Please note this is only an example and topics are interchangeable as age appropriate.

For the older student lap booking can be utilized as a study tool for memorization of science vocabulary, algebraic terms, test prep, and the like.

Unit studies and lapbooks can go hand in hand providing a way for students of varied ages to work together yet at their own level making their own lapbooks based on the study. Assign older students an essay or creative writing assignment to beef up the requirements. The writing assignment can be attached to the lapbook by using brass brads on one side of the folder.

There are numerous options available to get started with lap booking. Kits, cd-rom, zip drives, interactive notebook items, and packages are available, some intended to work in tandem with a specific curriculum. Or get creative and start from scratch! Any color file folders make great foundations to add pictures and mini books to record information. Lapbooks can be simple or as elaborate as you want, so feel free to add a little bling using adhesive gemstones, stickers, patterned or colored paper, or glitter pens.

A lapbook can be an inexpensive way to provide a change of pace for your child, adding an artistic element to everyday schoolwork. Why not give it a try? ~ Sara

Drive deeper into Lap Booking and check out our video, LAPBOOKING 101!

Download the FREE handout, Lap Booking Made Simple!

LAPBOOKING PRODUCTS:

Addition Pocket Games Lapbook pdf (on CD ROM)

Music Appreciation for the Elementary Grades Lapbook USB

Daily Helper Gr.5 Math Lapbook pdf (CD ROM)

United States Government Lapbook Printed (Grades 7-12)

Apologia Exploring Creation with Physics 2nd Edition Lapbook Journal Printed

Mystery of History Volume 3 Folderbook Digital Download

Medieval History Portfolio Classic Kit

Renaissance History Portfolio Junior Kit

File Folders — Assorted Colors and Styles