Lapbooks

Podcast Episode 8 show notes:

We want to use this Christmas time to introduce the concept of Lapbooks as a "curriculum" or as a supplement teaching method to what you may already be using.

Simply put Lapbooks are a type of homemade fold out "book" created out of file folders that have been taped together. Included on the foldouts are mini books or folded pockets of things that have been learned about a thing, literature book, time period, or even math concept.

PROS:
Great for children who like to "create". Makes learning fun!
Children are like authors creating their own books and take ownership in the learning process.
Allows children to guide their learning to subject areas of interest. NOTE: Not that our children get to avoid learning things that they don't like - the basics are still necessary!
Many use "real" literature books.
Uses a "thematic" or "unit" approach which ties all subject areas to one topic or example.
Can be used to "skim" a subject or historical period (as in