Here are some blank books that you can use to replace worksheets, encourage
creativity, and motivate children to write and read. Blank books are a tangible
project where children can demonstrate what they are learning. They are
open-ended to challenge children at different skill levels, and they can be used
across the curriculum to reinforce skills.
Note! You could provide these in their weekly school kits or teach the parents
how to make them in a family workshop.
Snip Snap Book
Directions: Fold two sheets of paper in half. Make tears (or snips) about a thumbnail apart down the fold. Bend one tab forward, then the next backward, and so on to bind the pages together.
Phonics - Children can use this for a letter book by drawing pictures, writing words, or cutting out pictures of things that start with a beginning sound, diagraph, vowel, etc.
Number Book - Have children write numbers and then make that many objects.
*Write a number and then show different ways to make that number.
*Use as a shape book where children walk around their house and draw shapes they see.
Write Your House – Children walk around their house and write all the words that they can read.
*Younger children could write letters that they find.
*Challenge older children to find a word for each letter of the alphabet.
Concept Book - Coordinate the book with a unit, theme, or holiday. For example, when studying about dinosaurs have them make a book about dinosaurs. When focusing on social skills ask them to make a book called “How to Be a Friend.” For Thanksgiving they could make a book of things they are thankful for.
Brochure
Directions: Fold a sheet of paper into thirds to create a brochure.
You can also try the easy version where you roll the paper into a “burrito) and “smash” flat.
Sequence - Write/draw what happened at the beginning of the story, the middle, and the end.
Sorting - Sort words with one letter, two letters, and three letters.
*Sort words with one syllable, two syllables, and three syllables.
*Sort nouns – people, places, and things.
Science - Turn the brochure vertically and sort animals in the air, on the ground, and under the ground.
*Sort food that grows in the air, on the ground, under the ground.
*Sort transportation in the air, on the ground, on water.