Tools: paper cutter, paper punch, scoring tool, ruler or straight edge (optional: decorative scissors, stamps, markers, etc.)
Supplies: 1 pipe cleaner, 5x8 index cards, 2 5x8 card stock covers, 3‐5 hinge strips (optional: decorative elements for cover)
Assembly:
1. Gather supplies, tools 2. Line up papers and index cards so that the left hand side is ready to punch for the spine 3. Punch 2‐3 equally spaced holes on the left side of your book 4. Bind book with the pipe cleaner 5. Score hinge papers in ½ lengthwise 6. Attach one photo per index card using the hinge a. Glue back left side of strip to index card leaving enough room to center the photo on the paper b. Glue the front of the right side of the hinge so that the photo will lay on top of the glue 7. Write text under the photo
Simple Accordion Spine: The variations with the according spine are endless. It is especially useful for binding lose sheets of paper when sewing or stapling in the margin will hide or crowd text.
1. Fold paper in half hamburger style 2. Fold ends up to center forming a W 3. Turn the paper over to form an M. Reverse center fold to form a house. 4. Fold side roofs to center fold. Fold up ends on each side. 5. Covers are glued on the first and last arm of the “W”, either inside or outside the arm. Gluing the covers first provides a frame for gluing the pages in an even stack. 6. Glue pages to one side of each “mountain” fold (on ONE side only!)
Envelope Accordian Spine: Make the above accordion spine the same size as a standard envelope. Attached envelopes to each mountain section! (you can make bigger for business size envelopes if needed)
Pocket Folder Book: This book is made from a simple inexpensive two pocket folder; this book has space for text as well as two storage envelopes (from folder). Easy!
Steps 1‐3 are for a more “refined” look to your final product:
1. Open the folder . Fold the top part of the folder about ¾ of the way down (so it is about 1 ½ inches from the bottom). 2. Unfold. Cut in about ½ inch on the fold line and cut off the very edge of each side of the folder. (use a “fun” scissor to make this extra special!) 3. Cut off each corner (triangle) shape. Cut down the center, taking out a ¼ of an inch. Place glue on top part of folder and glue down (into pocket)
You may eliminate steps 1‐3 for students with higher needs and simply cut off the top part of the folder leaving about 1‐2 inches above each pocket!
a. With a hole punch make a hole about ½ inch from the top. Make another hole about ½ inch from the bottom. b. Make a signature of 4 sheets of paper (this will give you 8 sheets to write on) You may make an additional signature to use as a “cover” with colored or decorative paper…. c. Place the signature of paper into the center of the folder. d. Fold folder and place a pencil along the “spine” of your folder. Wrap a rubber band around the top of the pencil and through the whole. e. Place the rubber band down the center of the signature and through the bottom hole and around the bottom of the pencil.
Optional: Additional holes may be punched along the edges to make a “tie” for your book. Simply punch a whole about ½ way down the folder on the both front and back and tie a ribbon on each side.
Paper Bag Book: This book is made from simple brown/white craft or lunch sacks. This is a great “mystery” book, secret pocket book or used for organizing objects, talking about seasons, even secret sensory pockets!
Supplies: Paper backs and pipe cleaners! Additional: information, text or cut‐outs for pockets.
1. Take paper bags and line up ends making sure “open” end is facing out 2. Punch holes through bags 3. Attach with pipe cleaner!
Ideas for this book:
1. Use for a color book/ have students organize pictures in each pocket according to color! 2. Use for a shape book/ have students organize pictures in each pocket by shape! 3. Have students write “clues” on the outside of each bag. Place a picture in each pocket that describes the “clue” example: You do this in the fall, you need knife, it is gooey inside…. (carving pumpkins!)
Baggie Book: This “book” is made from baggies/ freezer bags. You can bind on the open or closed side depending on what you are going to use this book for. There are two ways to bind this book.
1. Make a simple accordion fold spine. Glue the baggies to the spine and create covers. 2. Using packing tape; take all the baggies together making a spine out of tape. You will tape each baggie to the next until you have taped all the baggies together! Use colored duct tape for a festive binding!
This book is very durable for your students that have issues with mouthing or are a little tougher on materials…they can use this book over and over!
Ideas for this book:
1. Scavenger hunt books: take the students on a nature walk. Put all the elements that you find in a separate baggie: sticks, leaves, pine cones, dirt, and flowers. On your return to the classroom you can bind the book and then make notes to tape to each baggie/ utilize typing, writing , adjectives, sensory and more!
2. Use as a sensory book. Put a different experience in each baggie; rice, noodles, beans, cotton balls, oil/water/glitter. This can be bound either with open and or closed end exposed if you wish for the student to put their hands in the baggies for a true sensory experience. Sensory on the GO!
Simple One Page
This book is made from just one sheet of paper or card stock. Easy, fast!
Need: one sheet of paper, scissor, idea for content!
1. Fold paper hot dog style (like and accordion book) 2. Fold both sides toward the center peek. 3. Flatten out paper 4. Fold hamburger style. 5. Fold both sides toward the center peek. 6. Flatten again. Cut as shown below on grey lines only; then fold as shown in picture (like fan or accordion – going around corners to make book “wander”)
Ideas for this book:
1. Picture on one side, words on the other: describing spring, fall, winter…. 2. SLP activity – have words/ sounds they are working on each block “wander” through the book saying the sounds….. 3. Math problems on each square “wander” through book for surprise at the end (fun activity listed on last block or they can do a game on the back!)