How to Make a Lap Book: with FREE Template

Lap Books are everywhere! If you like hands-on projects, interactive notebooks, or creative ways to engage your students in learning, then you may want to give lapbooks a try. Today’s post is on how to make a lap book. Plus, I have a FREE Book Report Lapbook Template for teachers and homeschooling families to download for use with their kiddos!

When I first heard of lapbooks and saw some samples that other teachers had made, I was afraid it would be too time-consuming and project-heavy without a focus on real learning. I was wrong. (Don’t tell my husband I said that…he may write it down for future reference!) 😉

Lap books do not have to be huge, multi-paged contraptions. They are actually quite simple to make. Here is how to create a basic lap book, using ONE file folder. 😀 I’m a simple gal at heart!

Materials needed:

1 file folder
1 sheet colored construction paper (or cardstock)
glue stick
scissors
colored pencils, crayons, extra paper

Step 1: Place the file folder open flat on the table.

If you've ever wondered how to make a lap book, today's your day! You'll learn how to make a lapbook with your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grade classroom and home school students. Plus you get a FREE book report lapbook template when you sign up for our mailing list. This is a great "how-to" blog post that allows your students to create a complete DIY project. It's great for helping students meet their reading goals withOUT a boring book report. Grab this freebie now!

Step 2: Fold each side of the folder inward toward the center fold. Crease strongly on the 2 new folds. (It should look like a French Door.)

Step 3: Cut a piece of heavy construction paper or card stock and glue it to the inside back wall of the lap book. This not only reinforces and strengthens the book, but it also adds some color to the project.

Step 4: Add interactive notes, titles, research, and any desired features to your lap book.

The photos of this finished lap book are from the My State Lap Book Packet.

If you are interested in using this packet, which has maps for all 50 states, foldable templates, photo examples, and instructions, you can find it HERE in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Interested in trying a lapbook for FREE? Click HERE to download the Book Report Lapbook! It includes photo examples, easy-to-follow directions, and ALL the printable templates you need to complete the project with your kiddos. Yes, the COMPLETE project is FREE. Here are some photos of the completed project:

Looking for other book report ideas? Check out this blog post on Cereal Box Book Reports. They are a hit with students and a nice change of pace from the traditional book report. Here’s 10 Book Report Ideas that Kids Will Love.

Here are a few other lap books that you may find useful (click on the images):

Now that you know how to make a lap book, what projects do you have in mind? I’d love to hear your ideas and how you use lap books in the classroom and in your homeschooling! Thanks for following along, and happy teaching!